France's heat wave triggers bans, school closures and rising drowning deaths
France imposed a red heat alert, banned public alcohol consumption and cancelled outdoor events as temperatures approached 104 °F, according to CBS News. The interior ministry, led by Sébastien Lecornu, also ordered school closures and limited train services, as reported by AP News. DW. com noted that a high-pressure system from the Sahara drove temperatures above 39 °C across parts of Europe, prompting transport cancellations and the suspension of outdoor gatherings.
CNN added that the heat wave persisted across 26 European countries, reinforcing school closures and the alcohol ban. NBC News reported that three elderly people died in France amid the heat, prompting further school closures and the maintenance of red alerts. Al Jazeera said about 20 people drowned while swimming in unsupervised areas during the heat wave. Later, CBS News updated the toll to at least 40 drowning deaths since mid-June as extreme temperatures continued across much of the country.
