Western France experienced the hottest day of this heatwave on the 22nd, with local temperatures expected to rise to 43°C.
According to forecasts from France’s meteorological agency, the southwestern city of Bordeaux could see a high of 43°C in the afternoon of the 22nd, while the capital Paris may reach 39°C.
France has issued the highest-level red alert for high temperatures in nearly half of the country. Meteorological authorities warn that the intensity of this heatwave could rival that of the extreme heat event Europe suffered in the summer of 2003. At that time, prolonged high temperatures caused severe droughts and water shortages, bringing widespread health problems to the population.
Île-de-France, the region around Paris, called on residents to stay home as much as possible on the 22nd, warning that the heat could cause failures in public transit infrastructure.
Valérie Pécresse, president of the Île-de-France region, said: "Our transportation system is under immense pressure... Railway tracks cannot withstand temperatures above 50°C. Trains are packed during rush hours, and air conditioning in carriages can hardly provide any cooling effect."
So far, France has closed 1,350 schools due to the heat, and another 4,000 schools have shortened their class times. Since last week, some schools have already advised parents to keep their children at home or pick them up at midday to avoid students staying in stuffy classrooms.
On the 21st, coinciding with France’s Summer Solstice Music Festival, multiple cities had planned music events. Due to the heat, cities such as Nanterre and Châteauroux cancelled scheduled concerts. Some local governments have imposed special restrictions, such as banning alcohol in certain public places and limiting outdoor activities, to lower health risks associated with the combination of high temperatures and drinking. Some sporting events and other activities have also been cancelled or postponed in several regions.
At least 18 dead, including 2 children left in a car
As of the 22nd, at least 18 people in France have died because of the heat, including two children who were found dead inside a car.
The two children, aged just 2 and 4, were found in a parked family car in a residential district of Carpentras in southern France. Investigators stated that the heatwave was most likely the main cause of their deaths.
The French government’s emergency response team has also warned the public, urging people not to swim or cool off in unsupervised lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. Last weekend, 13 people drowned, including a 13-year-old girl.
France already experienced an abnormal heatwave in May, when records for highest temperatures in many areas were broken. According to statistics from the French meteorological agency, from 1947 to now, France has faced 51 heatwaves, with 34 occurring after 2000, and 26 after 2011.
According to data released by the French meteorological agency on the 21st, 76 weather stations in the country on that day recorded temperatures matching or breaking their highest June temperature since records began.