France is bracing itself for a fourth heatwave this summer as a "historic drought" sweeps the mainland, causing a worrying water shortage.

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne's office has set up an inter-ministerial crisis team to tackle the drought.

French weather forecasts broadcasting channel La Chaine Meteo pointed out that the heat wave could be widespread and long-lasting, with maximums between 34 and 37°C and minimums around 18 to 21°C.

"From Monday, with the strengthening of an anticyclone over Morocco which will rise towards France, bringing with it torrid air, a new rise in temperatures occurs, with the resumption of very hot weather. Thus, a new scorching heat wave, the 4th of this summer, will set in from the south and will gradually reach the central regions before spreading northwards thereafter," La Chaine Meteo said.

The channel added that the new heat wave aggravates the current drought and increases the risk of fire outbreaks and vegetation and forest fires.

A drop in temperatures is expected to start over the weekend and Monday August 15, accompanied by a risk of thunderstorms.