American Marconi Wireless News - Heatwave hits more than one in two people in France

Around 41 million people -- out of the country's some 69 million residents -- were affected by an orange heat alert issued by the weather office, the second-highest category, urging residents to be "very cautious", according to a calculation based on population figures from the national statistics agency.

The heatwave prompted 784 primary and secondary schools out of the country's 60,000 teaching establishments to adjust their hours, including 150 that closed completely, said Education Minister Edouard Geffray.

France's national weather agency has warned the heatwave would be "widespread, prolonged, and intense". Friday's heat warning covered the Paris region and much of the east and centre of the country.

Temperatures were expected to peak at around 40C in some regions from Sunday onwards.

President Emmanuel Macron has called for "great vigilance" and for "taking care of the oldest, the most vulnerable".

Health Minister Stephanie Rist has urged youth to be "really careful with alcohol and physical activity" as the country gears up for its annual "La Fete de la Musique" on Sunday, a nationwide music festival when millions of people usually dance in the streets nationwide.

A 30-year-old man died on an athletics track outside Paris on Thursday.

This is already France's second heatwave this year, following an unusually hot spell in May that shattered records across half the country.

France experienced its hottest spring this year since records began in 1900, with the average nationwide temperature over March to May around 1.7 C above the norm.

Scientists warn that heatwaves in Europe are becoming more frequent as a result of climate change.

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A.Mahlangu--AMWN