France's heat record broken again; Wednesday hottest since measurements began

France has once again broken its heat record, with Wednesday seeing the hottest temperatures since measurements began in 1947. Meteorologists at Météo-France reported that the average temperature across thirty weather stations nationwide reached approximately 30 degrees Celsius, surpassing Tuesday's record of 29.8 degrees.

This marks the second consecutive day of record-breaking heat, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing heatwave that has gripped the country since last week. Previous heat records were set in 2019 and 2003, indicating a concerning trend of rising temperatures.

The extreme heat is taking a significant toll on individuals working outdoors. In Paris, a meal delivery driver shared his struggles, working from 9 a.m. until midnight. "I have no choice. I don't have a residence permit, and if I stop working, I risk ending up on the street. My family depends on me," he told France24, illustrating the difficult circumstances faced by vulnerable workers during this period.

The intense heat has also led to an exceptionally high electricity price on Wednesday evening, partly attributed to the widespread use of air conditioning. As the country braces for a potentially tropical weekend, festivals are preparing for the continued high temperatures.