Europe’s Heat Wave Triggers Alcohol Bans, Public Closures and Health Warnings

An extreme heat wave is sweeping much of Europe, with temperatures climbing above 40 degrees Celsius and forcing governments to impose emergency measures. On Sunday, officials across the continent announced restrictions ranging from bans on alcohol at public events to the closure of cultural and sports venues, amid fears of medical emergencies and economic disruption.

France is among the hardest hit. In 35 departments, authorities declared a red alert, and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu ordered a sweeping ban on alcohol consumption at music festivals and other public events planned for the weekend, citing dehydration and other health risks. In Paris, the city tried to ease conditions by keeping public parks open 24 hours a day.

Italy has also been strained by the heat, turning tourism into an endurance test. In Rome, visitors to the Colosseum sought relief in cooler underground passages, while in Bologna people crowded around historic fountains. In Germany, the national weather service issued nationwide warnings with temperatures nearing 38 degrees Celsius and said the combination of heat and humidity could trigger severe thunderstorms.

Spain moved to protect football fans as well, closing the fan zone in Madrid so supporters would not gather there for the match against Saudi Arabia. The players, by contrast, were set to play in an air-conditioned stadium in Atlanta powered in part by solar energy. Scientists say heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense because of climate change, and that they are now a serious threat to public health and economic stability. Bank of France Governor Emmanuel Moulin said the short-term effect on growth may be "unclear," but that in the medium term, lower productivity and higher electricity use for cooling make severe heat waves a major drag on European economies.