Western Europe is facing an extreme heatwave, prompting French authorities to issue a red alert for nearly half the country, including the capital, Paris. Temperatures are nearing historic record levels, causing service disruptions and triggering emergency measures to protect the public.
In the southwestern city of Bordeaux, the thermometer hit 40°C (104°F) as early as Sunday, while the peak of the heatwave is expected to strike on Monday.
Alcohol Banned at National Music Festival
To prevent hospitals and emergency services from becoming overwhelmed, the French government has taken an unprecedented step: banning alcohol consumption in public places during the popular “Fête de la Musique.” This annual festival, traditionally held on the summer solstice, typically draws millions of people onto the streets across the nation.
“For all events organised by the state and its agencies, strict instructions have been given not to offer alcohol,” stated the office of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
According to officials, this restriction aims to ensure that medical staff are not bogged down by alcohol-related incidents and can instead focus entirely on caring for those most vulnerable to the heat, such as the elderly and young children.
What is Driving This Extreme Heat?
According to the weather service Météo-France, the extreme temperatures are being driven by hot air moving north directly from the Sahara Desert. This air mass has become trapped over Western and Central Europe.
Due to the intense Saharan heat, roughly three-quarters of the French population have been affected by restrictive measures:
- Dozens of passenger train routes have been cancelled.
- Classes have been suspended in numerous schools across high-risk areas.
- In Paris, public parks and gardens will remain open through the night to give residents and tourists a chance to cool down.
Red Alerts Issued in Italy and Spain as Well
France is not the only country scorching under the high temperatures.
- Italy has issued red alerts for eight major cities, including Milan, Turin, Florence, and Bologna.
- Spain’s weather agency has also issued red and orange alerts across several regions, warning that temperatures will surpass 40°C across large parts of the country.
Meteorologists remain uncertain as to exactly how long this extreme heatwave, which has effectively paralyzed Europe, will last.
