In Bordeaux, the rails are 53 degrees hot

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It has never been so hot in France at this time of year: train tracks in Bordeaux

Photo: PHILIPPE LOPEZ / AFP

Over 40 degrees at the weekend, and the railway fears deformed tracks - the heat wave coming from North Africa and Spain has reached France.

The weather service Météo France announced the orange alert for Thursday in 23 of the 101 departments.

Up to 39 degrees are expected in the southwest of the country, on Saturday it should be over 40 degrees.

It is the earliest hot spell in a year since weather records began in France.

The high temperatures are exacerbating the drought in the soil, which is already a major concern for farmers after a dry winter and spring.

The risk of forest fires also increases.

In the south of France, an ozone alarm was also declared locally.

The high school graduates who are currently taking their exams are also affected by the heat wave.

Some grammar schools ensure that exams only take place in rooms that face north.

Many construction companies adjust the working hours on the construction sites.

The French railways are concerned about the rails and overhead lines, which could deform in the heat: 53 degrees were already measured on the rails at the train station in Bordeaux.

Several cities are extending park hours and installing fog machines because of the heat.

The French government has also taken precautions to protect the homeless and the elderly.

She wants to invest 500 million euros in greening inner cities to create fresh oases.

High temperatures are also expected in Germany at the weekend – but “only” up to 36 degrees.

has/AFP