PARIS (AP) — As a dangerous heat wave tightens its grip on parts of Europe, France is mobilizing emergency services and military units for wildfire response, placing limits on public alcohol consumption, and scrapping certain outdoor sporting events in an effort to protect residents.
Roughly one-third of France is under the highest heat alert issued by the national weather service this Sunday, with temperatures expected to climb as high as 40 degrees Celsius — that’s 104 degrees Fahrenheit — in certain regions. Air conditioning remains uncommon throughout much of the country, making the situation especially dangerous. Forecasters say Monday could be even more brutal.
In Paris, iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower set up misting stations to help cool down visitors, part of a broad package of protective measures rolled out by both national and local government officials.
The World Health Organization’s Europe office reported this month that more than 200,000 people across the continent died from heat-related causes over the past four years — and the majority of those deaths could have been prevented. Health officials are warning that above-average temperatures expected throughout this summer can lead to heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heat stroke. The WHO’s Europe office is urging governments and institutions to activate heat response plans, such as establishing cooling centers and giving workers flexible schedules to avoid being outside during the hottest midday hours.
One major concern for French authorities is the country’s annual Music Day celebration, which falls on Sunday. The nationwide summer solstice tradition features thousands of concerts in town squares, clubs, and rave venues, drawing communities together and attracting a growing number of international visitors. The government directed event organizers to scale back alcohol availability in order to “preserve emergency services and allow medics to concentrate on taking care of the most vulnerable.”
Officials are especially worried about people living on the streets in the scorching heat, as well as elderly residents in nursing homes or those who are isolated at home. France experienced a devastating wake-up call in 2003 when a heat wave claimed the lives of approximately 15,000 older people.
On Saturday, the government announced heightened wildfire preparedness and ordered closer monitoring of water supplies at France’s numerous nuclear power plants.
While school closures are being treated as a last resort, the government indicated that end-of-year exams currently scheduled for afternoons may be pushed to the following morning or restructured to reduce heat exposure for students.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu held an emergency heat crisis meeting on Saturday and planned to convene another one Sunday, responding to what the national weather service described as a “widespread, long-lasting and intense” heat event. Lecornu has also directed government ministers to develop long-term strategies for helping France adapt to future heat waves — including, he said, “via air conditioning, if necessary.”
