France has reported 40 drownings in recent days as individuals swam in unsupervised areas during a severe heat wave, according to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. This tragic phenomenon comes as many seek relief from unprecedented heat affecting much of Europe.
“We are facing a tragic phenomenon of drownings. The latest data indicate 40 deaths since June 18, with most of the victims being young people,” Lecornu stated.
In response to the heat crisis, Lecornu plans to lead a crisis meeting with various ministers to address the necessary measures amidst record-breaking temperatures, which have soared to nearly 43 degrees Celsius in parts of western France.
“We are experiencing an episode of exceptional intensity, with local and national temperature records being broken daily and nightly,” the French Prime Minister added.
France’s national meteorological service, Météo-France, has placed 54 departments under a red heat alert, as “suffocating and exhausting” heat impacts about half of the country. The service noted that recent nighttime temperatures were the highest recorded since measurements began in 1947.
On Tuesday morning, the national heat index reached a record 21.6 degrees Celsius, calculated from the average daily maximum temperatures at 30 weather stations. The previous record was 21.4 degrees set on July 25, 2019.
Authorities in the greater Paris region have advised residents to work from home when possible and to avoid train travel due to the strain on transport networks during extreme heat. Valérie Pécresse, president of the Île-de-France region, stated, “The transport network is under strong pressure during periods of extreme heat… The railway infrastructure cannot withstand temperatures exceeding 50 degrees.”
The heat wave, which led to the closure of approximately 1,350 schools on Monday, is also believed to be a potential cause of the deaths of two young children found in a family car. The heat is forecasted to persist through the end of the week.
New temperature records are expected, with predictions indicating values that may surpass all previous records for any time of year, according to Météo-France.
Widespread scorching temperatures in Europe are attributed to a large mass of hot air, described by climate researcher Clair Barnes from Imperial College London as originating from northern Africa’s Sahara. “It is bringing warm air, and this is why we are experiencing such intense heat,” Barnes explained to Reuters. “It is moving very slowly, meaning there is almost no wind or breeze.”
Heat Wave Exerts Pressure on Other European Nations
In England, some schools ended their session early on Tuesday as the UK braces for a heat wave that could break new records. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, prompting the British meteorological service to issue its second-ever red heat alert.
In Italy, the health minister declared a red heat alert for 15 cities, including Milan and Rome.
German authorities reported a significant rise in swimming accidents over the weekend, with five fatalities.
Almost all of Spain was under heat warnings on Tuesday, with red alerts issued for areas around southern Córdoba, northern Bilbao, and parts of the northern Cantabria region, indicating “extraordinary danger.” On Monday, 101 of Spain’s 828 weather stations recorded temperatures of at least 40 degrees Celsius, and around 30 stations experienced temperatures remaining above 25 degrees overnight.
The situation was particularly severe in the province of Almería, where temperatures did not drop below 30 degrees Celsius for three consecutive nights. Local media highlighted the ongoing heat wave, with reports stating, “Over 72 hours with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius,” and another article describing the impact of the heat, noting, “Almería does not sleep: a hellish night with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees and highs surpassing 40 degrees Celsius.”
