France records 40 drowning deaths as heat wave persists
At least 40 people have drowned in France since mid-June while extreme temperatures above 104 °F continue across much of the country.
France has confirmed 40 drowning deaths since Thursday, most of the victims being young people, as residents sought relief from a severe heat wave. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu highlighted the toll, and Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari warned that swimming in unsupervised areas during extreme heat "is not something to be taken lightly." Temperatures are expected to stay above 104°F in many towns through the end of the week, prompting adjustments to public services; the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum have shortened their opening hours, and schools and transport networks are disrupted.
Météo France reported that the national thermal indicator reached a record 85.6°F and described the situation as a "plateau of severity," with more than half the country likely to enter red alert levels. The agency warned that further record-breaking temperatures could occur, regardless of the season.
The heat wave is part of a broader European event affecting Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. In Spain, red alerts have been issued for temperatures up to 111°F in Andalusia, while the U.K. Met Office has issued an extreme heat warning and advised reduced travel. Scientists note that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such heat events across Europe.
