Hot weather forecast as 40C heatwave hits north of France and whole of UK sizzles

A sweltering heatwave is likely to leave parts of France and almost the whole of the UK soaking in extreme weather conditions this weekend. Weather maps from WXCharts have turned dark red for the northern parts of France as temperatures rise to unbearable levels of 40C.

The heat from the European country is likely to leave a major impact on Britain with south-west of England experiencing 30C on August 16, the maps have suggested. Areas around Cornwall, Devon and Plymouth are likely to be the worst impacted as a result of the European heatwave, the maps have shown. Not only the southern parts but even the northern areas of the country may see the mercury levels oscillating between 20 and 21C on Saturday.

The weather maps suggest that the UK will continue to reel under the hot weather conditions for most of the next week with the southern areas witnessing a highs of 29 and 30C.

The dramatic weather comes as red alerts have been issued for France and Spain with residents urged to stay "absolute vigilant" as "everyone is at risk, even healthy people" during a heatwave, according to Meteo France, the country's meteorological service.

France is experiencing its second heatwave of the summer, which kicked off on Friday and is set to persist throughout the week, extending into the August 15 holiday weekend. Temperatures are climbing northward, with forecasts predicting 38C (100.4°F) in the Centre-Val de Loire region and up to 34C (93.2F) in Paris.

The agency said in a statement: Rising temperatures can endanger people at risk, such as the elderly, the disabled, those with chronic illnesses or mental disorders, those who regularly take medication, and those who live in isolation. For athletes and people who work outdoors, beware of heatstroke. Also watch over the children."

Met Office spokesperson, Stephen Dixon had said: "A heatwave over northwest Africa and Iberia will spread further northeast, bringing temperatures well above average for Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Belgium and other parts of Europe. This will spread northeast over the next 4-5 days, reaching places like France and Germany later in the week.

"For Spain and Portugal, temperatures into the 40s Celsius are possible inland by day, with overnight temperatures remaining above 20C in many locations. High pressure, as well as day-on-day heating at the time of year with little in the way of cloud, is allowing temperatures to rise to well above average for these locations, even for the time of year.

"There's a chance of some health impacts with the heat, especially for those who aren't acclimatised or are outside during the hottest parts of the day."