High temperatures force cancellation of concerts in several French towns

Authorities in several French towns have canceled concerts planned for the Fête de la Musique, a nationwide celebration of music, due to soaring temperatures. Météo-France forecasts highs of around 40°C (104°F) on Sunday, leading to orange alerts, the second-highest level of warning, being issued for half the country.

The decision to cancel events aims to protect the well-being of performers, organizers, and attendees. In Brive-la-Gaillarde, the town council announced the cancellation of all scheduled activities, citing the "episode of strong heat" expected in the department. Similarly, in Claye-Souilly, officials opted for a complete cancellation "for the safety of artists, volunteers, mobilized staff, and the general public."

Other localities, including Le Teich, Ecommoy, and Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente, have also canceled their Fête de la Musique festivities. In Angers, while the event is not entirely canceled, organizers of one concert planned from afternoon until midnight have decided to postpone it.

This heatwave has had broader impacts beyond the music festival. The Ministry of Education announced the postponement of oral baccalaureate exams scheduled for Monday and Tuesday afternoons in the Academy of Poitiers by one week, citing "climatic conditions." Additionally, local press reported the death of a 30-year-old man in the Paris suburbs who suffered cardiac arrest while running on a track; the causes are under investigation but may be related to the heat.