France Cancels Events and Restricts Alcohol Consumption Amid Brutal Heatwave

France is grappling with a brutal heatwave, leading to the cancellation of public events and restrictions on alcohol consumption. Authorities have placed more than a third of the country under a red heat alert, forecasting temperatures that could reach 42C from Monday.

The extreme heat has impacted various activities. Some outdoor sports events have been called off, and restrictions have been placed on alcohol consumption during the nationwide Fête de la Musique festival. This annual music celebration, typically held outdoors, now faces significant adjustments due to the dangerous heat.

Nationwide, approximately 53 million people, or 76% of the population, are under heat alerts. A record 35 of France's 96 mainland departments are on the highest danger-to-life red alert, with an additional 45 departments under an orange warning. The government is urging citizens to take precautions against the dangerous temperatures.