Widespread Red Heat Alerts Across France
Forty-nine of France's 96 regions are currently under a red heat alert as the nation prepares for extremely high temperatures caused by an intensifying heatwave.
Temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) are forecasted in parts of western France on Monday, with Bordeaux expected to reach 42°C, according to the national weather service, Météo-France.
School Closures and Exam Challenges
In response to the heat, 845 schools have been closed for the day, while an additional 1,800 schools are allowing students to finish classes early, as reported by the ministry of education. Despite the soaring temperatures, over one million high school students are scheduled to take their oral final exams for the baccalaureate.
Safety Warnings and Drowning Incidents
The French government has issued warnings advising the public against attempting to cool off in unsupervised natural water bodies such as lakes and rivers, following 13 drowning deaths over the weekend.
Heat Alerts Extend Nationwide
In addition to the red alerts, dozens of other regions are under an orange heat alert, affecting an estimated 63 million people across France.
Transport Disruptions Due to Heat
The national railway operator SNCF has urged vulnerable individuals to avoid or postpone train travel during the week. In Paris, several train lines reduced services on Monday as a precaution against the heat.
Similarly, Belgium's train operator announced cancellations of some peak hour trains on Monday and Tuesday. The Belgian Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM) forecasts record-breaking temperatures in Belgium in the coming week.
Origin and Impact of the Heatwave
The rising temperatures are attributed to hot air masses moving northward from the Sahara desert, which are trapping heat over western and central Europe. Forecasters suggest that these conditions may result in one of the longest heatwaves recorded in recent years.
Météo-France noted that of the 51 heatwaves recorded in France since 1947, 34 have occurred since 2000, with 26 since 2011.
Heatwave Conditions Across Europe
Spain's state weather service, Aemet, has issued warnings of "extremely high" temperatures for the season until Wednesday, with temperatures expected to be between five and ten degrees above typical levels.
A red alert has been declared for the Basque country, where temperatures in San Sebastian are forecast to reach 40°C, nearly double the average for this time of year.
Madrid is expected to reach 39°C on Monday, while Italy anticipates temperatures up to 37°C in Rome.
Meanwhile, the UK's Met Office issued a rare red heat warning for parts of England and Wales on Wednesday and Thursday, forecasting temperatures up to 38°C (100°F) in some areas.
Recent Heat Effects and Government Measures
The current conditions in France follow a weekend during which temperatures reached 40°C, prompting an alcohol ban at the annual Fête de la Musique, a national festival celebrated with large crowds in most cities.
The ban applied to all events organized by the French state and its agencies, aiming
"to preserve emergency and healthcare services and allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable", according to the government.
In the south-west Gironde region, local authorities reported on Sunday that three individuals aged between 80 and 95 had died, partly due to the intense heat.
Health Warnings and Temperature Outlook
Health Minister Stéphanie Rist told French public broadcaster TV1 Info on Monday that many
"fellow citizens will suffer"during the hot weather and urged people to maintain a
"close eye"on relatives and neighbors.
While the highest temperatures are expected along the western coast, Météo-France forecasts that temperatures will remain between 36°C and 40°C across much of the country.
The forecaster warned that the heatwave will be
"widespread, long-lasting and intense", with temperatures not expected to decline until the end of the week.
