Europe swelters as temperatures in France could hit 40C

Much of Western Europe is enduring a grueling heatwave, with forecasters warning of intense and prolonged conditions that could shatter temperature records. France is particularly affected, with hundreds of schools adjusting schedules to cope with the scorching temperatures.

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great vigilance

Forecasters predict that the Paris region could experience temperatures above 40C for the first time in June. The French weather office has issued an orange heat alert, the second-highest category, affecting approximately 41 million of the country's 69 million residents. Authorities are urging extreme caution, describing the conditions as widespread, prolonged, and intense.

President Emmanuel Macron has called for "great vigilance" and urged citizens to "take care of the oldest, the most vulnerable." Health Minister Stephanie Rist advised young people to be "really careful with alcohol and physical activity" as the nation prepares for its annual "La Fete de la Musique" festival.

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taking care of the oldest, the most vulnerable

France has already recorded its hottest spring since 1900, with average temperatures significantly above the norm. Across the continent, other nations are also issuing warnings. Germany anticipates thunderstorms, hail, and heavy rain, while England and Wales have experienced their hottest spring on record, though continental Europe faces more extreme temperatures.

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really careful with alcohol and physical activity

Scientists emphasize that human-driven climate change is amplifying these extreme weather events, making heatwaves, droughts, and floods more intense and frequent. This heatwave is the second significant one for tens of millions in Western Europe this year, with countries including Britain, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Spain raising alert levels. Spain's civil protection agency warns of extreme heat affecting most of the country, including the Balearic Islands, for an extended period.

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widespread, prolonged and intense