Punishing Heat in France Causes Deaths and Puts Millions at Risk

PARIS — France is enduring a brutal heat wave that has shattered temperature records, claimed lives, and put millions at risk as daytime highs soar above 40°C and nights offer little relief.

Meteo France called the event “exceptionally intense” and comparable to the deadly August 2003 heat wave, which caused an estimated 15,000 deaths. A heat watch system was introduced after that catastrophe, but the current conditions are testing its limits.

Several towns recorded their hottest June day on record Monday. Paris saw its warmest June night, with temperatures not falling below 24.2°C, and broke another June record at 37.7°C Monday afternoon. More than half of the country is now on red alert.

At least 13 people drowned over the weekend and two children died after locking themselves in a parked car in the southern town of Carpentras. Around 1,352 schools closed Monday, with thousands more adjusting schedules.

Experts warn that Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent. Human-caused climate change is intensifying extreme heat, and projections suggest the next five years will bring further records. Over the past four years, more than 200,000 preventable heat-related deaths have occurred across Europe, according to the World Health Organization. Authorities are urging vigilance, hydration, and caution around water. The heat is expected to persist until at least Friday.

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