More than half of France under red alerts as heatwave intensifies

France is experiencing an intensifying heatwave, with 49 out of 96 regions under a red heat alert. Temperatures are expected to exceed 40C (104F) in western France on Monday, potentially reaching 43C in Bordeaux. This severe weather has led to the closure of 845 schools and early dismissals for 1,800 students. An estimated 63 million people are affected nationwide, with dozens of other regions under an orange alert. The heatwave has already been linked to three deaths in the south-west Gironde region. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist warned that many citizens will suffer and urged people to monitor vulnerable individuals.

France has issued red heatwave alerts for approximately half of the country due to soaring temperatures reaching record levels. Parisians were observed cooling off in a canal as the heatwave intensified. The alerts indicate a severe heat event affecting a significant portion of the nation.

France is experiencing a severe heatwave, prompting authorities to issue red heat alerts for over a third of the country. Outdoor sports events have been cancelled, and alcohol consumption has been restricted at the nationwide Fête de la Musique festival. Temperatures are expected to exceed 40C, with some areas reaching 42C or higher. This exceptional heatwave is leading to school closures, with over 800 schools not opening on Monday, and rescheduling of exams. The national rail service is advising vulnerable passengers to avoid travel due to infrastructure strain. Similar extreme heat conditions are affecting other European countries, including Italy, Spain, and the UK.

France has implemented emergency measures to combat a severe heat wave, including placing emergency services and military on wildfire alert, restricting public alcohol consumption, and canceling some outdoor sports events. Temperatures are expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of the country, where air conditioning is not widespread. Misting stations have been set up in Paris, and authorities are concerned about vulnerable populations. Similar heat-related measures are being taken in Spain and Italy, with Spain's Basque Country canceling events and Italy issuing heat warnings. The World Health Organization has noted that over 200,000 people in Europe have died from heat-related causes in the past four years, with many fatalities being preventable. The current heat wave has already been linked to multiple drowning deaths in France.

France has banned alcohol consumption at some public events during the Fête de la Musique celebrations due to an intense heatwave. The ban applies to areas under red heatwave alerts, affecting 35 departments where temperatures are expected to reach up to 41C. The government's decision, communicated by the office of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, aims to preserve emergency and healthcare services by limiting alcohol consumption. This measure is part of a broader response to a heatwave that has already disrupted train services and school classes across the country, with temperatures forecast to peak on Monday.

Paris is preparing for an exceptionally large Fête de la Musique on Sunday, expecting over 2 million attendees, including a significant influx of UK music fans. This annual free street music festival, now in its 40th year, has become a major international cultural event. Following incidents of sexual violence and public space issues last year, authorities have implemented expanded safety measures. These include designated safe spaces for women and disabled individuals, and warnings about waterways due to recent fatalities. The city has also increased sanitation efforts with more bins and accessible toilets, and will provide 1,400 water fountains to combat expected heatwave conditions.

Western Europe is experiencing its second heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to exceed 40C in many regions. In France, over half the population is under a severe weather warning, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to call for "extreme vigilance" and care for vulnerable individuals. The heatwave has already led to a death near Paris, train cancellations, and rescheduled exams. Météo-France has issued an orange alert for 53 departments, warning of a "widespread, prolonged and intense" heatwave that could approach all-time high national heat index records. Spain is also facing persistently high temperatures, likely to exceed 35C across the Iberian peninsula, while south-west Germany is forecast to reach 36C.