France issues red heat warning as heatwave grips Europe

A severe heatwave is scorching Europe, prompting France to issue a red heat warning for more than a third of the country on Sunday. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, with even higher readings anticipated in some areas from Monday. Paris and a large region southwest of the capital are among the areas under the red warning.

In response to the extreme heat, authorities in Paris have installed steam-cooling systems at the Eiffel Tower and other popular sites to help visitors cope. The French government also announced a ban on alcohol consumption in public spaces in affected areas during the national music festival on Sunday. This measure aims to protect emergency services, allowing them to focus on assisting the most vulnerable.

Other European countries are also grappling with the intense heat. Spain is bracing for potentially the hottest June days since records began in 1950, with authorities cautioning against outdoor activities, especially for the elderly and at-risk groups. Italy has expanded its heat warnings to eight cities in its northern and central regions, with temperatures potentially reaching 40 degrees Celsius. Farmers and tourists alike are seeking ways to stay cool, with one farm outside Milan using fans and sprinklers for its cows, and tourists in Rome cooling off in public fountains.