France Bans Alcohol at Popular Music Festival Amid Record Heatwave, Red Alerts Issued

French authorities have issued a red alert for Monday across approximately half of the country, including Paris, due to an impending heatwave that could reach record-high temperatures. The warning covers most western and central regions, while many others are under an orange alert. On Sunday, the southwestern city of Bordeaux recorded 40°C.

To prevent overwhelming emergency services, the government has banned alcohol consumption in public places during the annual Music Festival (Fête de la Musique), which has been held for over 40 years on the summer solstice. Last year, about two million people attended the festival in Paris. The prime minister's office stated that alcohol will not be offered at any state-organized events. The restriction aims to allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable.

The heatwave is caused by hot air masses moving north from the Sahara Desert, trapping warm air over western and central Europe. The peak is expected on Monday, with temperatures approaching records. The heat has already affected France for several days, leading to train cancellations and school closures. Météo-France noted that it is difficult to predict the duration of the heatwave, which is estimated to affect about three-quarters of the population. In Paris, parks and gardens will remain open overnight to help residents and tourists cope.

The heatwave has also impacted Italy, where eight cities, including Bologna, Florence, Milan, and Turin, were under red alerts on Sunday. Spain's meteorological service has issued red and orange alerts in several regions, with temperatures reaching 40°C in large parts of the country.