As the summer solstice brings the strongest sunlight of the year, a severe heatwave is gripping much of western Europe, with temperatures expected to remain high well into next week. In response, French authorities have taken the unusual step of banning alcohol consumption at the annual Fête de la Musique festival in Paris, where the mercury is forecast to hit 35°C on Sunday.
France Takes Emergency Measures
Météo-France has placed more than 30 departments under a red heat warning, including the Gironde region and the Paris area. Parts of southern France and Spain could see temperatures touch 40°C. The ban on alcohol at the nationwide music festival, which typically sees millions take to the streets, is intended to reduce heat-related health risks.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire has also authorised swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin from Wednesday, and has ordered the city's parks and gardens to remain open 24/7 to provide cooling refuges. Locals and tourists have already been flocking to canals and parks over the weekend to escape the heat.
The heatwave is reminiscent of the deadly 2003 event that claimed thousands of lives across the continent. For more on the historical context, see our report on France bracing for 40°C heatwave, echoing deadly 2003 conditions.
Spain and Switzerland Under Pressure
In Spain, heat warnings are in place across 14 regions, with AEMET warning of "very high nighttime and daytime temperatures" that are unlikely to drop until next Thursday. The agency has highlighted "significant danger" for vulnerable people and those engaging in outdoor activities, as well as an elevated fire risk. Parts of the Madrid area could see highs of around 40°C.
Switzerland is also feeling the heat: MeteoSwiss forecasts 37°C in Sion in the southwest, while Zurich, Geneva, and Bern are set to reach 34°C, and Basel could hit 35°C. The Swiss government has urged residents to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during peak hours.
Storms and Lightning in Germany
In Germany, high temperatures have been accompanied by severe thunderstorms. Multiple people were injured by lightning strikes over the weekend, particularly in the south of the country. Heat alerts remain in place across much of the nation, and emergency services have been on high alert. The Berlin Zoo has deployed ice bombs and showers to help animals cope, as reported in our coverage of the zoo's cooling measures.
Italy and the UK Brace for Impact
In Italy, Rome and Turin are expected to reach 36°C on Sunday. The Italian health ministry has issued red alerts for several cities, advising the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions to stay indoors.
The UK's Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat across parts of England and Wales starting from Monday. It warned of "adverse health effects" and an "increased risk of water safety incidents" as people seek relief in rivers and lakes.
Broader Implications
The heatwave is straining infrastructure across the continent. French farms, schools, rail services, and health systems are all under pressure, as detailed in our analysis of the heatwave's impact on French services. The economic cost could be substantial: a recent study suggests that extreme heat could cost France, Italy, and Spain billions by 2030, as explored in our report on the financial toll.
As the heatwave persists, authorities across Europe are urging caution. The Fête de la Musique may go ahead, but with alcohol banned and cooling centres open, the priority is clear: keeping people safe under an unforgiving sun.
