Heatwave pushes parts of Europe towards record temperatures

PARIS: A severe heatwave spread across large parts of Europe on Sunday, forcing authorities in several countries to issue warnings and alter public arrangements as temperatures rose close to record levels.

In France, 35 of the country’s 96 departments were expected to be placed on red heatwave alert, with temperatures forecast at 39 to 40 degrees Celsius from the southwest through the Paris region and into Burgundy. Some places could touch 41°C. Following a crisis meeting, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu ordered a precautionary ban on alcohol consumption during Sunday’s annual Fete de la Musique celebrations and other public events in those 35 regions. In Paris, however, authorities said parks would stay open all night.

Germany also issued heat alerts across most of the country as temperatures neared 38°C. The DWD weather service warned that intense heat combined with humidity could set off severe thunderstorms.

South of the Alps, hot weather was also disrupting normal routines in Italy, where temperatures of 36 to 37°C were expected in some towns, affecting daily life and tourism. In Spain, the heatwave led to the closure of a soccer fan zone as the extreme weather continued to grip parts of the continent.