Extreme heat across Europe: In France 40 people drowned trying to cool off

On Wednesday, France experienced its hottest day ever recorded since measurements began in 1947, according to the National Meteorological and Climatic Service, Meteo France. The national thermal indicator reached an unprecedented high of 29.8 degrees Celsius, as reported by temporary data collected by the public meteorological service on Tuesday at 5 PM. This value represents the average of daily and nightly temperatures measured at 30 reference stations across the country. It surpassed previous historical records of 29.4 degrees Celsius set on July 25, 2019, and August 5, 2003. The extreme heat wave has triggered red weather alerts in 54 departments and led to more than 40 deaths due to drowning. High temperatures have caused the closure of 845 schools and a series of accidents at swimming pools, prompting officials to issue safety appeals. The famous amusement park Disneyland Paris temporarily closed several outdoor attractions, and numerous concerts were canceled. The Eiffel Tower was also closed at 4 PM instead of its usual time after midnight due to the extreme heatwave. The French Prime Minister requested government members to cancel or limit all official trips not directly related to addressing the crisis. City authorities in Paris approved swimming in the Seine River's Canal Saint-Martin. The amusement park in Paris had to implement extraordinary measures, temporarily halting the operation of many open-air attractions, especially those that expose visitors to prolonged sun exposure or require waiting outdoors.

The extreme heat has affected not only France but much of Europe. In recent days, forty people have drowned in France trying to cool down and escape record-breaking heat, according to the Prime Minister. Great Britain, Italy, and Spain have also been hit by extreme heat, with record temperatures disrupting school operations and transportation networks. According to data from the World Meteorological Organization, Europe is warming more than twice as fast as the global average, making long-term heatwaves increasingly common. Much of France is under warning due to extreme heat, with temperatures expected to reach around 40 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, and up to 43 degrees Celsius in parts of western France. France has just recorded the hottest afternoon and night since the start of measurements in 1947. Forty-eight departments are under a red alert, which meteorologists described as an unprecedented situation. Across France, people are jumping into canals and rivers to cool off. The French minister of sports, Marine Ferracci, said she understands the need for people to escape the heat but warned against swimming in areas not designed for it or that are dangerous. Ahead of an urgent meeting regarding the heatwave, French Prime Minister Sebastian Le Pen stated, “A tragic phenomenon when it comes to drownings, as the latest data we have just received show 40 deaths since June 18, mainly among young people.” Business activities have slowed down in Paris, where travelers struggle with unbearable heat following sleepless nights in apartments not adapted to high temperatures. Some trains have been canceled, including the line between Paris and Brussels. Business leaders warn that the effects are felt in both the economy and the workforce. “France is working at a slower pace. Companies, as much as possible, apply recommendations for employee protection,” said Patrick Martin, president of the French employers' organization MEDEF, during an interview with BFM TV. In several places in Paris, stores have run out of electric fans due to a sudden rise in demand. The heatwave, caused by a weather pattern known as the “Omega block” because it resembles the Greek letter omega, has trapped a mass of hot air in its center while cooler air surrounds it on either side, causing the heat to linger and temperatures to rise day by day. Climate change intensifies heatwaves and storms, raising temperatures and bringing heavier rainfall. In Italy, the Ministry of Health issued the highest level of warning for 15 cities, and authorities limited certain work activities. Later on Tuesday, thunderstorms are expected above the Alps and Apennines, accompanied by heavy rain, strong winds, and hail. The heat has also affected the United Kingdom, where meteorologists predict temperatures up to 37 degrees Celsius in southern England on Tuesday, which could be a new June record, followed by further temperature increases on Wednesday and Thursday. Dozens of schools have announced early closures because old buildings are not suited for classrooms with more than 30 students. Climate shelters have been opened in Spain due to dangerous heat, with forecasts predicting temperatures up to 44 degrees Celsius. These warnings follow an extreme day on Monday when over 45 degrees Celsius were recorded in Andalusia. Night did not bring significant relief, as around 30 measuring stations continued to record temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius on Tuesday morning. Madrid has opened climate shelters for vulnerable groups of the population, including homeless individuals. These places provide air-conditioned space, basic food, the possibility of showering, and rest, according to Juan Carlos Arellano from Madrid’s Samur Social service. In Belgium, high temperatures forced a primary school in Tervuren, near Brussels, to move final exams to a nearby church. Transportation networks across Europe are under pressure due to high temperatures. British transport systems are experiencing disruptions due to the heat.