The abnormal heat wave observed in Europe has caused a series of tragic consequences in France. Since June 18, 40 people have drowned in the country, according to the French government.
French Defense Minister and emergency coordinator Sébastien Lecornu stated that most of the victims were swimming in unauthorized and unsupervised water bodies.
High temperature warnings have been issued across much of the country. According to meteorologists, on June 23, temperatures in some areas reached 40 degrees Celsius, while in western regions they are expected to reach 43 degrees.
Due to the heat, residents are trying to cool off by swimming in canals and rivers. French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari said she understands citizens' desire to escape the heat but urged them not to enter dangerous and unauthorized waters.
The heat wave is also impacting the country's economy. Some train services between Paris and Brussels have been canceled, and demand for fans in cities has surged. Residents in multi-story buildings are having difficulty resting at night due to the high temperatures.
Patrick Martin, head of the French employers' association MEDEF, noted that businesses are taking special measures to protect employees from heat effects.
The heat wave is also affecting other European countries. In Italy, the highest level of alert has been declared for 15 cities. In the UK, temperatures are expected to rise to 37 degrees Celsius. In some parts of Spain, warnings have been issued that temperatures could reach 44 degrees.
Experts are calling this heat wave the "Omega block." This is related to the formation of a shape in the atmosphere similar to the Greek letter Ω by air currents, which causes hot air to remain trapped over a specific area for a long time.
