Europe Swelters: 40 Drown in France, Records Broken Amid Unprecedented Heatwave
An unprecedented heatwave in western Europe has caused 40 drownings in France, with temperatures reaching 44.3 degrees Celsius. Record highs are affecting over half of France, Spain, Italy, and the UK. Authorities are issuing warnings and implementing measures like early museum closures and climate shelters, while the UN Secretary-General links the crisis to fossil fuels.
A heatwave pushing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius across western Europe has led to 40 drownings in France since mid-last week, as people sought relief from highs that reached 44.3 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Over half of France’s 101 administrative regions are under an unprecedented red heatwave alert. Météo-France reported Monday night temperatures were the highest since 1947, following record afternoon highs of 37.8 degrees Celsius.
French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari warned against swimming in dangerous areas. The Louvre Museum in Paris is closing two hours early for the rest of the week due to heat buildup exacerbated by visitors. Spain’s meteorological agency issued dangerous heat alerts, with temperatures expected to hit 44 degrees Celsius in the south. Madrid opened «climate shelters» for vulnerable populations. Italy passed a decree allowing businesses to send staff home with pay or reduce hours during the heatwave, with 14 cities, including Rome and Milan, under the highest alert level.
The UK Met Office expects the 1976 June daytime temperature record of 35.6 degrees Celsius to be broken. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking at a London climate conference, linked the crisis to fossil fuel consumption, stating, «London isn’t just calling, it’s cooking.» Luxembourg issued an emergency text alert advising precautions. Met Éireann’s high-temperature alert for Ireland, active until Friday, recorded 28.3 degrees Celsius in Dublin, with temperatures expected to reach 31 degrees Celsius on Thursday. Forecaster Gerry Murphy attributed the heat to a «heat dome» – a stagnant high-pressure system.