France Issues Red Alert for 35 Regions Amid Sweltering Heatwave

France is grappling with a severe heatwave, prompting authorities to issue a red alert for 35 regions and an orange alert for another 45. National weather agency Meteo-France warned that temperatures could reach 41 degrees Celsius on Sunday and even higher on Monday, potentially matching France's highest daily temperature ever recorded. The extreme heat is expected to persist through at least Thursday, with high day and night temperatures likely.

The intense heat and dry conditions have also led to a high forest fire risk alert in several regions, with the number expected to increase. Authorities are considering expanding the red alert to more areas. These extreme weather conditions have necessitated special measures ahead of France's annual Music Festival.

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We are fully mobilized to face these events and ensure traffic remains as normal as possible under these extreme conditions.

To manage the situation, the government has banned public alcohol consumption in red alert zones. Paris police have deployed additional river patrols to prevent drownings and restricted unannounced gatherings along the Seine River. The heatwave has been tragically linked to several drowning deaths, including those of teenagers.

French rail operator SNCF has implemented emergency measures to maintain services. SNCF chief executive Jean Castex stated the company is fully mobilized to ensure traffic remains as normal as possible. However, the French Transport Minister highlighted the aging rail network and called for increased investment in infrastructure renewal. Officials acknowledged preparations were made, but the heatwave's early onset and intensity are testing public services, particularly the healthcare system.

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