France Scorched by Heatwave, Danger Alert Issued for 35 Departments

France is grappling with an intense and prolonged heatwave, with "Meteo-France" issuing a danger alert for 35 departments across the country. This extended period of high temperatures, which began earlier in the week, has significantly impacted daily life, forcing the cancellation of numerous train services and the suspension of classes.

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Throughout the country, very high temperatures will prevail for a long time.

Paris is among the regions under the red alert, a warning that will affect approximately 26 million people, according to AFP calculations. An additional 45 departments are under an orange alert. In response to the heat, Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire highlighted the dangers of combining alcohol, heat, and proximity to water. Consequently, the government announced that annual street festivals in red alert departments would prohibit alcohol consumption in public spaces.

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Alcohol, heat, and bodies of water nearby – these three risk factors are incompatible with each other.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's office stated that prefects would issue decrees banning alcohol in public areas under red alert. Furthermore, all state and institutional events are instructed not to serve alcohol. The government urged reduced alcohol consumption to preserve emergency and healthcare services, allowing medical personnel to focus on vulnerable populations. To assist Parisians and tourists in managing the heat, authorities in the French capital are keeping parks and gardens open throughout the night.

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Prefects will take decrees prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in public places in departments where the red alert level is triggered.