The French meteorological agency stated that on the 23rd, France experienced its hottest day since record-keeping began in 1947.
The intense heatwave sweeping across France has lasted for a week, with temperatures in many regions repeatedly breaking historical records. It has already resulted in deaths and has had a clear impact on healthcare, education, energy supply, and social operations.
Famous Paris tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum even closed early, and Mont Saint-Michel advised tourists to postpone their visits.
Based on data from 30 benchmark observation stations across France, the French meteorological agency calculated that as of the afternoon of the 23rd, the national integrated temperature index reached 29.8°C, surpassing the records of 29.4°C set on July 25, 2019, and August 5, 2003, setting a new historical high.
Multiple Regions Break High Temperature Records
The French meteorological department warned that the situation will not ease on the 24th. Instead, the heatwave will continue to expand toward northern France. At that time, 58 provinces across France will be placed under the meteorological agency's highest level red heat alert, involving approximately 44 million people, setting a historical record. Another 31 provinces will be under orange alert status.
According to AFP statistics, by then, more than 90% of the French population will be affected by extreme high temperatures.
At the same time, from the 22nd to the 23rd, France also experienced its hottest night. According to preliminary data as of the morning of the 23rd, the national temperature index at night reached 21.6°C. The previous record was 21.4°C set on July 25, 2019.
According to data from the French meteorological agency, since 1947, France has recorded 52 heatwaves, 35 of which occurred after 2000, and 27 of which took place after 2011.
Government Activates Medical Emergency Response Mechanism
French Prime Minister Le Cornu announced on the 23rd the activation of the national medical emergency response mechanism, in order to mobilize more medical resources to ensure hospital operations.
He said that since June 18, there have been 40 drowning deaths in France, "most of the victims were young people."
UK, Spain, and Italy May Break More High Temperature Records
High temperatures continue in many parts of Europe. After breaking the May temperature record, the UK may also see a new June record. On the 24th, 16 cities in Italy will be under red heat alerts, and many parts of Spain will also continue to experience high temperatures.
The UK just broke its highest May temperature record on May 25. On the 22nd of this month, the UK Met Office issued its highest level heat alert, only the second time in its history to do so.
According to this alert, from the 24th to the 25th, most areas of central and southern England, including the UK's two largest cities London and Birmingham, will encounter high temperatures, which may break the country's June temperature record.
Previously, the highest recorded June temperature in the UK was 35.6°C, occurring in 1976 and 1957.