France has banned alcohol consumption at some events during the huge Fete de la Musique music festival as temperatures soared towards record levels due to the scorching heat, with 35 departments placed under red heatwave alert.Temperatures from the Paris region south-west to Burgundy on Sunday are expected to range from 39°C to 40°C, with some areas possibly reaching 41°C. The scorching heat that has been going on for days has thrown the country into chaos, leading to the cancellation of dozens of trains and suspension of classes. The temperature is expected to cross 43 degrees Celsius in the next week.
heatwave map of france
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s office said, “Instructions have been given for all events organized by the state and its agencies not to offer alcohol.”The government banned alcohol consumption in public places under red alert, calling for limits to “preserve emergency and health services and allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable”. The emergency restrictions apply to all public places within the affected departments from Sunday afternoon.Authorities are keeping parks and gardens in the French capital open overnight to help Parisians and tourists cope with the heat.Bank of France Governor Emmanuel Moulin warned that heat waves could hit economic activity in the medium term. Scientists say climate change is causing heat waves to become more frequent and intense across Europe, increasing the risk of health emergencies and economic disruption during the summer months.The Fête de la Musique has been running for over 40 years and is always held on the summer solstice. Last year, about 20 lakh people participated in the programs held in Paris.
heat wave across Europe
A severe heat wave is sweeping across Europe, with much of Germany on a heat alert as temperatures reached 38 degrees Celsius. In Italy, temperatures are expected to reach 36-37 degrees Celsius, with visitors lining up under the blazing sun outside the Colosseum in Rome and seeking respite in cool underground spaces.In Spain, the football federation decided to close the fan zone set up with giant screens in Madrid’s Plaza de Colón square, meaning fans will have to watch Spain’s World Cup match against Saudi Arabia elsewhere.