Half of France under red heatwave alert as alcohol banned at street music festival

France has issued red heatwave alerts for around half the country including Paris for Monday as a heatwave pushes temperatures towards record levels.

On Sunday temperatures in the south-western city of Bordeaux hit 40C (104F).

Earlier, French authorities banned alcohol consumption in public places during the annual Fête de la Musique, a national music festival that draws millions to the streets across the country.

“For all events organised by the state and its agencies, instructions have been given not to offer alcohol,” the office of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said.

The limits on alcohol consumption aim “to preserve emergency and healthcare services and allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable”, the government said.

Temperatures have been forecast to peak on Monday, and authorities have warned they could match historic highs. The red alert covers much of western and central France, while many other regions are under an orange alert.

Nearly 850 schools are due to stay closed on Monday, while 1,500 more will let pupils leave early.