Severe Heat Wave Sweeps Europe, Prompting Unusual Restrictions

A severe heat wave is gripping large parts of Europe, affecting tens of millions of people and pushing temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius. The peak is expected on Monday, and officials warn it could match historical records. In many regions, temperatures have already climbed above 35 degrees.

France has been hit especially hard. About one-third of the country is under its highest-level heat alert, and authorities banned drinking alcohol in public in those areas. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s office said the restriction was meant “to preserve the ability of emergency and health services to function and allow medical teams to focus on treating the most vulnerable populations.” Temperatures in France are expected to pass 40 degrees in the coming hours, especially in the south and west, while Paris is also facing intense heat.

France’s weather service said it is still “unclear” how long the heat wave will last, but estimates suggest it is affecting about three-quarters of the country’s population. The Paris summer music festival is being held under these conditions, with millions normally gathering in the streets across the country.

The heat wave has also spread to Spain, Germany and Italy, where temperatures are also expected to approach 40 degrees. Across the continent, emergency services have been put on higher alert and sporting events have been canceled. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower and other sites have set up cooling and misting stations, while many tourists and residents have gone into rivers and fountains to cool off.