France restricts public drinking, cancels events as heat wave bakes Europe

France is battling an exceptional heat wave, prompting authorities to cancel trains, concerts, and sports events while cracking down on public drinking. The country is experiencing temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in some regions, with forecasts indicating even hotter conditions for Monday. About a third of France is under a "red alert" for extreme heat.

As people seek relief from the sweltering temperatures, multiple drownings have been reported. In response to the risks, venues like the Eiffel Tower have set up misting stations. The French government has banned public drinking in "red alert" zones and urged event organizers to limit alcohol consumption to preserve emergency services.

Concerns are particularly high for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, recalling the devastating 2003 heat wave that claimed approximately 15,000 lives in France. The government has mobilized emergency services and military forces for wildfire readiness and is monitoring water supplies for nuclear reactors. The annual Music Day celebration on Sunday also faced cancellations and restrictions due to the extreme heat.

Globally, the World Health Organization's Europe office noted that over 200,000 people in Europe died from heat-related causes in the last four years, with most fatalities being preventable. Projections indicate more above-average temperatures this summer, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. Human-caused climate change is increasingly linked to extreme weather events, with a recent study finding it responsible for approximately 1,500 deaths during an early May heat wave.

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More than 200,000 people across Europe died from heat-related causes over the last four years, and most of the fatalities were preventable.