France on 'red alert' as temperatures hit 40C in Europe heatwave

France is bracing for extreme heat as temperatures are forecast to soar above 40 degrees Celsius across mainland Europe, prompting authorities to place half the country on "red alert" for Monday.

In preparation for the major heatwave, France has already placed emergency services and military forces on bushfire alert. Public alcohol consumption has been restricted, and some outdoor sports events scheduled for the weekend were canceled. Temperatures in parts of the country reached 40C on Sunday, with predictions of even higher temperatures on Monday.

Authorities are implementing various measures to mitigate risks, including setting up misting stations at iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower and other Paris venues. Tourists in Rome sought relief in fountains. The national rail authority has deployed thousands of extra staff to manage potential disruptions to services, as the heat poses threats to rails and electrical cables. France is also increasing its monitoring of nuclear power plants amid the sweltering conditions.

Concerns are particularly high for vulnerable populations, including the elderly residing in nursing homes or living alone. A severe heatwave in 2003 led to approximately 15,000 deaths in France, serving as a stark reminder of the risks. The government has reinforced wildfire readiness, tightened surveillance of water supplies for nuclear reactors, and directed 845 schools to close on Monday.

Scientists increasingly link extreme weather events like this heatwave to human-induced climate change. Over the past four years, more than 200,000 people across Europe have died from heat-related causes, according to the World Health Organization's Europe office, with most fatalities deemed preventable. Projections indicate that the next five years are likely to shatter more heat records. In Spain, Italy, Germany, and the UK, similar heat warnings are in effect, with temperatures expected to hover around 40C in many regions.