France records hottest night since 1947 amid intense European heatwave
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- France recorded its hottest night since 1947 with an average low temperature of 21.6 degrees Celsius.
- Approximately 90 percent of France's population is affected by extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 44 degrees Celsius in the southwest.
- The heatwave has contributed to at least 20 drowning deaths in France and prompted Italy to issue its highest heat alert for 15 cities.
France has recorded its hottest night since record-keeping began in 1947, with the lowest average temperature reaching 21.6 degrees Celsius. This surpasses the previous record of 21.4 degrees set in 2019. The nation is currently experiencing a heatwave of unprecedented intensity, affecting about 90 percent of the population with extreme temperatures, some expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius in the southwest.
The lowest average temperature was 21.6 degrees Celsius.
The intense heat has led to a tragic increase in drowning incidents, with around 20 people losing their lives in France since the weekend. Meanwhile, Italy has placed 15 cities, including Rome and Milan, under its highest heat alert, a level that will expand to a 16th city this week. Health authorities are advising residents to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, drink plenty of fluids, and consume light meals.
About 90 percent of the population is affected by extreme temperatures.
Across Europe, temperatures are hovering around 40 degrees Celsius. France has issued its highest red heat warning for over half the country, and similar warnings are in place for England. Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany are also grappling with the heat. In Germany, five people have died in drowning accidents since the weekend, including three men whose bodies were found in the Rhine River. Authorities are urging cautious water usage, advising against watering gardens and filling swimming pools.
The Ministry of Health has issued the highest heat alert for 15 cities.
This marks the second heatwave in Western Europe within a month, with climate change increasing the likelihood of such events. Germany's national weather service anticipates that the country could break its June temperature record this week, potentially exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, particularly in the west and southwest. A severe heat warning is in effect for the Rhine region until Wednesday evening.
It could happen that the 40-degree mark is cracked in June.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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