An alarming toll of 40 drowning deaths was recorded in France in recent days, as the population sought relief from the historic heat that hits much of the European continent. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecomu confirmed the numbers this Tuesday (23), highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
In addition to French territory, nations such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland and Spain are also dealing with exceptionally high temperatures. In certain areas, temperatures reached unprecedented values, causing interruptions in school activities and overloading transport systems.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, the European continent is experiencing warming at twice the speed of the global average. This phenomenon amplifies the occurrence and duration of prolonged heat waves, such as the one currently observed.
Maximum heat alert declared across much of France
The agency Meteo France announced that vast areas of the country remain under intense heat warning, with temperatures forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius for this Tuesday. In certain locations in the west, thermometers can reach up to 43 °C.
France has experienced its hottest afternoons and nights since 1947, the year climate records began. A total of 54 departments are now under red alert, a situation described by meteorologists as unprecedented.
In several regions of France, residents have been looking to canals and rivers to alleviate the intense heat. French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari recognized the urgency of seeking refreshment, but appealed for caution, warning of the dangers and the prohibition of swimming in unauthorized places.
Before an emergency meeting dedicated to the heatwave, Prime Minister Lecornu expressed his regret. He described the drowning scenario as “a sad scourge”, revealing that the most recent data indicates 40 fatalities since June 18, the majority of them being young people.
In a tragic incident that occurred on Monday (22), two children, aged 2 and 4, were found unconscious by their mother inside the family car, in front of the residence. Despite their efforts, rescue teams were unable to revive them, as reported by a prosecutor in Carpentras, in southeastern France.
Impact of extreme heat on the Parisian economy and routine
In the French capital, Paris, the population is facing sweltering heat, with many residents spending restless nights in apartments that do not have adequate infrastructure for the high temperatures. The situation led to the cancellation of some train journeys, including the route between Paris and Brussels.
Representatives of the business sector also pointed out that the economy is suffering the consequences of the heat wave.
“The French nation operates at a slower pace at the moment. Companies, within their possibilities, are applying the guidelines to safeguard their employees”, declared Patrick Martin, president of MEDEF.
The current phenomenon of extreme heat in Europe is attributed to a specific weather pattern, “omega lockdown”. This system gets its name because it resembles the Greek letter omega, characterized by an area of central hot air flanked by colder air masses, which contributes to the progressive rise in temperatures.
It is important to highlight that both heat waves and storms are becoming more severe and frequent as a result of climate change, resulting in even higher temperatures and greater precipitation.
Meteo France drew a parallel between current thermal conditions and the heat wave of August 2003, an event that lasted 16 days and, according to the European Union, caused around 80,000 additional deaths across the continent. The exact length of the current episode is still uncertain.
United Kingdom and Italy on high alert due to high temperatures
The Italian Ministry of Health raised the alert level to the maximum level in 15 cities, leading authorities to implement restrictions on certain activities. For this Tuesday, the forecast indicates the occurrence of storms over the Alps and Apennines, with the possibility of intense rain, strong gusts of wind and hail.
The United Kingdom is also feeling the impact of the heat, with the Met Office projecting temperatures that could reach 37°C in the south of England this Tuesday, which would set a new record for the month of June. Forecasts indicate an even greater increase for Wednesday (24) and Thursday.
In the British capital, London, storms that occurred during the night, also part of this same unstable weather pattern, generated new setbacks, including affecting operations at Heathrow Airport.