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France issues red alert as heatwave breaks records and death toll mounts

France issues red alert as heatwave breaks records and death toll mounts

Summary

France is experiencing an early and intense heatwave, with temperatures reaching record highs and 54 departments under a red heat alert. Since June 18, 40 people have drowned trying to escape the heat, and the extreme weather is affecting schools, transport, and events across the country.

Key Facts

  • France recorded its hottest night ever from Monday to Tuesday.
  • 54 departments, about half the country, are under a red heatwave alert.
  • Since June 18, 40 people have drowned while trying to escape the heat, mostly young individuals.
  • Many schools have closed, and trains and sports events have been disrupted due to high temperatures.
  • Temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) in many places and remain high through the week.
  • The heatwave is unusually early in the summer and may break more records.
  • France has limited use of air conditioning, increasing challenges during heatwaves.
  • Similar extreme heat waves have caused thousands of deaths in past decades, such as in 2003.
  • Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, leading to more frequent and deadly heat events.
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