More than half of France under red alerts as heatwave intensifies
Forty‑nine of France's 96 regions are on a red heat alert, as the country braces for sweltering temperatures amid an intensifying heatwave.
Highs of over 40 °C (104 °F) are expected across western France on Monday, with the mercury projected to hit 43 °C in Bordeaux, according to Météo‑France.
About 845 schools have been closed for the day and another 1,800 are allowing pupils to finish classes early, the Ministry of Education said.
Dozens of other regions are under an orange alert, affecting roughly 63 million people nationwide.
The severe weather follows a weekend when temperatures hit 40 °C, prompting an alcohol ban at the annual Fête de la Musique festival.
In the south‑west Gironde region, local authorities reported that three elderly people—ages 80 to 95—had died, partly due to the intense heat.
Health Minister Stéphanie Rist warned citizens to keep a close eye on relatives and neighbours during the hot spell.
Temperatures are expected to stay high, with the heatwave projected to be "widespread, long‑lasting and intense" until the end of the week.
France’s national railway operator SNCF urged vulnerable passengers to avoid or postpone travel, while several train lines in Paris reduced services this Monday.
Belgium’s train operator also announced cancellations of some peak‑hour trains for Monday and Tuesday.
Record high temperatures are also expected across Europe: Madrid could reach 39 °C, Rome 37 °C, and similar heat across the continent.
