Around 20 Fatalities Reported in France Amid Severe Heatwave
Approximately 20 people drowned while swimming in unsupervised areas during a heatwave in France, and additional deaths were linked to extreme temperatures across the country and Europe.
French officials said about 20 people drowned over the weekend after swimming in unauthorized locations as a heatwave swept the nation. Sports Minister Marina Ferrari warned that swimming in such areas during extreme heat should not be taken lightly, while forecasters expected temperatures to reach roughly 40 °C (104 °F) in many parts of the country on Tuesday.
Local authorities also linked the deaths of two children, aged two and four, found unconscious in a car in Carpentras to the heatwave, and reported three seniors, aged 80 to 95, who died from heat-related health issues in the Bordeaux region.
The heatwave broke temperature records in several French cities, strained power grids and public services, and prompted the national weather service to place 54 areas under a red heat alert. Schools were closed early or had timetables adjusted to protect students.
Across Europe, the United Kingdom’s Met Office warned of a four-day heatwave that could push temperatures above 39 °C (102 °F), potentially surpassing the June record of 35.6 °C set in 1957 and 1976. Data scientist Lewis Jennings noted that temperatures were expected to be 5-10 °C above normal.
Spain also experienced extreme heat, with San Sebastian projected to reach 40 °C, more than double its historic June average. Researchers attributed the persistent high temperatures to an “Omega block” weather pattern that traps hot air over the continent, drawing warm air from North Africa. Climate experts said such patterns are being intensified by climate change, leading to higher temperatures and increased rainfall.
