France continues to suffer from heatwave; temperatures could reach 43°C

France is experiencing a severe heatwave that, according to meteorologists, will continue until at least Friday, with air temperatures potentially reaching 43 degrees Celsius. On the night into Monday, several cities in western and central France recorded their hottest night ever, with temperatures not dropping below 23.2°C. Paris also saw its hottest June night, with a low of 24.2°C, half a degree higher than the previous record set in 2017. Forecasters warn that the coming nights could be even hotter.

The national meteorological service stated that on Wednesday and Thursday, more than three-quarters of the country will see heat levels never before recorded. Since air conditioning is not widespread in France, residents, businesses, and service providers are trying to adapt. The Education Ministry announced that on Monday, 800 out of 60,000 schools were closed, and an additional 1,800 cancelled some classes.

Paris public transport broadcasts urged passengers to stay hydrated, while medical experts warned that consuming alcohol in such heat could be lethal. Authorities have imposed strict restrictions on alcohol consumption in public places. Over the weekend, 13 people drowned despite warnings about currents and other hazards, as they sought relief in water.

Scientists warn that heatwaves are becoming more frequent in Europe due to climate change. French meteorologists also point to climate change, which is making heatwaves more widespread and intense. The World Health Organization's European office reported this month that over 200,000 people across Europe have died from heat-related causes in the last four years, with most deaths being preventable. In 2003, nearly 15,000 people died in France due to a heatwave. Since 1947, France has recorded 51 heatwaves, of which 34 have occurred since 2000 and 26 since 2011.