The Alpes-Maritimes, Var and Bouche-du- Rhône are bracing for a weekend of severe heat with temperatures potentially hitting 40c. In the Var, 98 municipalities have been placed on drought alert and three forest areas closed due to the risk of fires. It's expected Meteo France will raise the current yellow to orange on Saturday and Sunday.
Meanwhile, rising Mediterranean sea temperatures continue to worry scientists, who say it could lead to the arrival of invasive species such as rabbitfish and scorpionfish, which could damage marine ecosystems. The sea, which absorbs 90% of excess heat generated by human activities, is continuing to overheat. At the weekend, a record water temperature of 30d was recorded off the coast of Nice, a full four degrees above normal.
Border police say there has been a sharp drop in illegal immigrants crossing the border from Italy into France. Since the start of the year 8,600 undocumented people have been stopped compared to 23,000 last year. Police say this is down to increased co-operation between the two countries.
Lionel Beffre has been named as the new Interior Minister in Monaco. He replaces Patrice Cellario who is retiring after 42 years of service in the princely government.The next government council is scheduled to meet in mid-September.
BUSINESS
Australian airline Qantas says it will slash the exit package of its former chief executive Alan Joyce after a series of scandals and legal cases which resulted from decisions made during his time in charge. His payout of AU$21 will be reduced by AU$9m. The airl
