France, May 26 -- The deaths were announced on Tuesday and come as beaches in southwest France filled earlier than usual, tennis fans sweltered at Roland-Garros in Paris and the government moved to step up preparations for a spell of heat that forecasters said could last at least until the end of the week.

Weather agency Meteo-France said Monday was the hottest May day ever recorded in France since measurements began, with highs of 33C to 36C expected in some regions as the week continued.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is due to convene key ministers on Thursday to review the government's heatwave response, underlining concern over the public health risks linked to unusually intense temperatures so early in the year.

Paris ha...