Severe Heatwave Grips Europe, Triggering Unusual Emergency Measures

A severe heatwave is sweeping across Europe, affecting tens of millions of people and pushing temperatures in many areas above 35 degrees Celsius. The peak is expected on Monday, when the heat could match historic records, with some regions nearing 40 degrees.

In France, where the famous annual music festival is taking place, one third of the country is under the highest-level heat warning. Authorities banned alcohol consumption in public in those areas. Prime Minister Sebastien 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.”

French weather officials said it was still “not clear” how long the heatwave would last, but they estimate it is affecting about three quarters of the country’s population. Temperatures are expected to top 40 degrees in the coming hours, especially in the south and west, while Paris is also forecast to be extremely hot.

The heatwave has also hit 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 sports events have been canceled. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower and other sites set up misting and cooling stations, while tourists and locals have been seeking relief in rivers and fountains.