France is facing one of its most severe heatwaves in years, with authorities reporting at least 40 drowning deaths since June 18 as people sought relief from soaring temperatures. Most of the victims were young people, according to Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu.
Speaking ahead of an emergency meeting on the heatwave, Lecornu described the deaths as "a sad scourge".
The country experienced its hottest day on record on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching 44.3 degree Celsius in a town in southwestern France. Weather agency Meteo France placed dozens of departments under red alerts, warning that the extreme conditions could continue for several days, per a report by NDTV.
Also Read | 'AI is not a future consideration; it is already here': Five Eyes issues cyber warning
People seek relief as temperatures soar
Across France, many residents have turned to rivers, canals and lakes to escape the heat. Sports minister Marina Ferrari urged people to avoid dangerous or unauthorised swimming areas despite the intense conditions.
The heat also contributed to tragic incidents elsewhere. In southeastern France, two children aged 2 and 4 were found unconscious inside a family car on Monday. First responders were unable to revive them, reported NDTV.
#Mundo 📌 La ola de calor que afecta a Francia desde el 18 de junio suma 40 personas muertas por ahogamiento, “escencialmente jóvenes”. El primer ministro francés, Sébastien Lecornu, precisó que son las “primeras víctimas de la crisis que vivimos” por la canícula pic.twitter.com/FmRG5LtRkN
— Enfoque Informativo Guerrero (@enfoqueinforma) June 24, 2026
Heat dome intensifies conditions
Meteorologists say the heatwave is being driven by an Omega block, a weather pattern that traps hot air between cooler systems and allows temperatures to build over several days.
Meteo France said current conditions are comparable to the devastating 2003 heatwave that caused tens of thousands of deaths across Europe.
"Thursday will once again be a sweltering day (in France), with temperatures remaining just as high. On Friday, a gradual drop is expected to begin from the Atlantic coast," the weather forecaster was quoted as saying by NDTV.
Also Read | Congo Ebola outbreak tops 1,000 cases; Africa CDC warns: 'You must know the index case'
Heat alerts spread across Europe
Italy issued its highest heat alert in several cities, while Britain forecast temperatures of up to 37 degrees in southern England. Spain issued red alerts in several regions and opened climate shelters for vulnerable residents.
As temperatures climbed, demand for cooling equipment surged. "I came quickly, I haven't even had my coffee this morning, I ran here to buy an electric fan," said filmmaker Victoria Yakubov, per NDTV. "Everything was gone in less than 30 minutes."
FAQs:
Why are temperatures rising sharply across Europe?
Meteorologists say an Omega block weather pattern is trapping hot air over the continent.
How many people have died in France during the heatwave?
French authorities reported 40 drowning deaths since June 18 amid the extreme heat.
