Forty people have died in drowning incidents related to the current heatwave in France since last Thursday, according to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The intense heatwave is causing significant disruptions across the continent, prompting emergency measures and impacting daily life.
Météo France has extended its red alert for extreme heat to 58 of the country's 96 departments, including northwestern regions. The Île-de-France region, which encompasses Paris, has urged residents to avoid travel and work from home due to the extreme temperatures affecting infrastructure. Valérie Pécresse, president of the region, noted that rail tracks are unable to withstand temperatures above 50C, leading to anticipated disruptions in public transport.
Iconic Parisian landmarks are adjusting their operations. The Eiffel Tower closed early on Tuesday, shortening its visiting hours from its usual late-night schedule to 4:00 PM local time due to forecast high temperatures. The Louvre Museum, the world's most visited museum, has also brought forward its closing time from Wednesday to Saturday, shutting at 4:00 PM instead of 6:00 PM. Museum officials cited the historic building's fragility and lack of adaptation to climate change as reasons for the adjustment, noting that the accumulation of heat, intensified by visitor numbers, is a significant concern.
France's energy sector has also been affected. A nuclear power plant in southwestern France, the Golfech plant, was shut down on Monday night. This shutdown was a precautionary measure as water temperatures in the River Garonne were projected to reach 28C on Tuesday, exceeding the legal limit for cooling reactors.
The heatwave is not confined to France. Forecasters in Spain anticipate temperatures beginning to fall from Wednesday, but the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany are expected to see temperatures peak on Friday. The Dutch weather service, KNMI, has issued a Code Orange alert for high-risk, dangerous weather conditions in southern and central areas from Wednesday to Friday. Belgium's Risk Management Group has activated the 'alert phase of the national ozone and heat plan' for only the second time in its history, with the first instance occurring in August 2020. While no specific national measures have been announced, an increased awareness and call for extra care for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and children, have been issued.
Scientists note that climate change is a significant driver of rising global temperatures, with Europe warming at twice the global average. This trend is associated with an increase in summer heatwaves, greater strain on water resources, and more intense wildfires. In the past year, Europe recorded a record level of wildfires, with over one million hectares burned, particularly affecting Spain. The current heatwave underscores the growing impact of climate change on the continent.