Parisians sleep in parks to escape record-breaking heat

Record-breaking heat has driven Parisians to seek refuge in public parks, with many opting to sleep outdoors to escape the sweltering temperatures. France is enduring its hottest day and night since meteorological records began in 1947, as a severe heatwave grips the nation and much of Europe.

On Tuesday, the national average temperature reached 30°C, while the capital city, Paris, recorded a scorching 40.3°C. This marks only the fourth time in 150 years that temperatures in Paris have surpassed the 40°C threshold, underscoring the extreme nature of the current heat event.

The architectural design of many buildings in France, not built to withstand such intense heat, offers little respite indoors. This has led residents to seek cooler environments, with public spaces like the Buttes-Chaumont park becoming temporary havens.

Forecasters predict that at least 101 million people across Europe will experience temperatures exceeding 35°C on Wednesday, with 50 million of those individuals residing in France. The widespread heatwave is placing significant strain on infrastructure and public health, prompting authorities to issue warnings and advise citizens on how to cope with the extreme conditions.