Heatwave intensifies in Europe; two children found dead in car in France

France is grappling with an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring to potentially 43°C in some regions. The extreme heat, which meteorologists link to human-caused climate change, has led to a national red alert in France, affecting over 35 million people. This is the second major heatwave for Europe this summer, intensifying concerns about climate change's impact on extreme weather events.

The deadly consequences of the heat are already apparent. In Carpentras, southeastern France, two young siblings, aged 2 and 4, were discovered deceased inside their family's car. Authorities are investigating the heatwave as the likely cause. This follows reports of three elderly individuals dying in their homes due to the high temperatures in southwestern France over the weekend, and 13 other heat-related drownings nationwide.

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The meteorological pattern at the origin of this heatwave is nothing extraordinary. What is extraordinary is that climate change has added up to 4°C to the temperatures in some regions of Western Europe.

Educational institutions are significantly impacted, with over 1,300 schools closed and 4,000 others adjusting their schedules. Some schools have advised parents to keep children home or pick them up early to avoid the sweltering classrooms. Public transportation is also affected, with Paris's public transport system canceling one in ten trains as a precaution. Passengers at Marseille's Saint Charles train station received water and fans to cope with the heat.

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The main hypothesis for the deaths is the heatwave.