France is facing a severe heatwave, prompting the declaration of the highest level of safety alert in nearly half the country, including Paris. Alcohol consumption has also been banned at popular music festivals in an attempt to alleviate the burden on the already strained healthcare system.
On June 22, 2569, CNBC reported that: France has declared a red alert for a heatwave across roughly half of the country, including Paris. For this Monday, as the heatwave pushes temperatures closer to record highs...
Last Sunday, the city of Bordeaux in southwestern France recorded temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius.
Previously, French authorities had banned the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public areas during Fête de la Musique, the annual music festival that draws millions of people to the streets across the country.
Office ofPrime Minister Sébastien Lecorneau It was stated that for all events organized by the state and government agencies, the provision of alcoholic beverages was prohibited.
The French government states that the alcohol restrictions are aimed at maintaining the capacity of emergency services and the public health system, as well as allowing medical personnel to focus on caring for vulnerable groups.
Temperatures are expected to peak on Monday, with authorities warning they could reach historical highs. A red alert covers much of the western and central part of the country, while several regions are under an orange alert.
Nearly 850 schools are scheduled to be closed on Monday, and more than 1,500 will allow students to go home early.
The rising temperatures are caused by a mass of warm air moving up from the Sahara Desert, resulting in accumulated heat covering western and central Europe.
Meanwhile, Italy issued a red alert for eight cities on Sunday, including Bologna, Florence, Milan, and Turin. The Spanish meteorological office also issued red and orange alerts in several areas, warning that temperatures could reach 40 degrees Celsius in most parts of the country.
The heatwave has intensified for several days and has affected some government services in France, leading to the cancellation of dozens of train services.
The French meteorological office, Météo-France, stated that it is not yet possible to definitively assess how long this heatwave, which is expected to affect around three-quarters of the country's population, will last.
To help Parisians and tourists cope with the extreme heat, authorities have opened parks and gardens in Paris all night.
The Fête de la Musique festival has been held continuously for over 40 years and is celebrated annually on the summer solstice, or midsummer day. Last year, approximately 2 million people attended the event in Paris.
refer : bbc.com
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