Europe heatwave: UK braces for record 39°C, France faces disruptions and drownings

Europe is currently grappling with an intense heatwave, with the United Kingdom facing potentially record-breaking temperatures expected to reach up to 39 degrees Celsius. This extreme weather event has prompted the highest level of health risk alert, a red warning, for several areas in southern England, including London, and parts of Wales.

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At the moment... we do not observe particular tensions on the hospital system.

In the British capital, temperatures are forecast to hover between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius. The heat has led to numerous school and office closures. Public transport services, especially trains, have issued advisories urging only essential travel. Network Rail, the UK's railway infrastructure manager, anticipates "significant disruptions" across England and Wales. To mitigate risks such as track warping and derailment, speed restrictions have been imposed on trains.

France is also enduring the sweltering heat, experiencing its second-hottest night on record. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon assured the public about the resilience of the healthcare system, stating that no significant strain is currently observed. She added that hospitals are holding up, but authorities are preparing for the phenomenon's potential duration. Bregeon also confirmed the robustness of the national electricity grid, noting it is more stable than some European neighbors and national distribution is not facing major tensions.

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Hospitals are holding up... but we are working in advance because we are not sure of the duration of this phenomenon.

The heatwave continues to impact the French education system, leading to the postponement of approximately 10,000 high school exams throughout the week. Over 6,000 schools are either closed or operating with modified schedules, prioritizing early morning classes or utilizing air-conditioned rooms.

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We have a robust network... more than some of our European neighbors, and they are not reporting significant national tensions on distribution, not even for the coming days.

Tragically, the extreme heat in France has been accompanied by a rise in drowning incidents. Since June 18, the death toll has reached 42. In the latest incidents, a 6-year-old boy drowned in Bègles after escaping his parents' supervision, and two teenagers were involved in separate incidents in the Marne region. These events underscore the severe dangers posed by the ongoing heatwave.

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For the whole week, we will have 10,000 (10,300) exams postponed in one way or another.