Heatwave in Europe: 40 drown in France as temperatures soar
At least 40 people have drowned while swimming in unsupervised areas in France since the weekend, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Tuesday, as a heatwave continues to grip much of Europe.
The drownings occurred as people sought relief from temperatures that in parts of France are expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius. The French prime minister spoke ahead of an emergency meeting on the heatwave, which has prompted severe weather alerts across the country.
In a related incident, two children aged 2 and 4 were found unconscious in a family car outside their home in Carpentras, southeast France, on Monday. Emergency responders were unable to revive them, a local prosecutor said.
The heatwave, driven by a weather pattern known as an Omega block, has created a so-called heat dome over western and central Europe, trapping hot air and allowing temperatures to build day after day. Meteorologists say climate change is making such extreme weather events more frequent and intense.
France is not alone in enduring extreme heat. Britain, Italy, and Spain are also experiencing record temperatures, disrupting schools and transport networks. In Italy, the health ministry has issued its highest-level alert for 15 cities, and the government has taken measures to reduce or suspend work in certain sectors.
In Britain, the Met Office has forecast temperatures of up to 37°C in southern England on Tuesday, potentially a new June record, with further rises expected. Dozens of schools have announced early closures due to buildings ill-suited for the heat.
Spain’s state meteorological agency has issued red alerts across parts of the country, warning of dangerous heat with temperatures expected to reach 44°C. On Monday, a peak above 45°C was recorded in Andujar.
In France, the heat has also affected business activity. Patrick Martin, head of the MEDEF employers’ group, said the economy was running at a slow pace, with businesses implementing recommendations to protect employees. In several Paris shops, electric fans have sold out amid surging demand.
Authorities have urged caution, with French sports minister Marina Ferrari warning against swimming in unauthorised or dangerous areas. In one Paris district, the municipality offered free cinema tickets to those under 25 or over 65 to provide a break in air-conditioned spaces.
Europe is warming at more than twice the global average, according to the World Meteorological Organization, making such prolonged heatwaves increasingly likely.
