France, June 25 -- Forecasters said Wednesday was the hottest day ever recorded in the country, with the national temperature indicator - an average of day and night temperatures across 30 stations - reaching 30C.

The mercury peaked at 43.8C in Palluau, in the western Vendee department.

Meteo-France said the first signs of a break in the heatwave were expected in the west, with stormy conditions on Thursday evening bringing a gradual drop in temperatures along the Atlantic coast on Friday.

Eleven departments were expected to be downgraded from red to orange alert from Thursday evening, although officials urged continued vigilance, particularly for older people, young children, outdoor workers and those living alone.

What is France's h...