In brief
Western Europe is experiencing a severe heatwave that has pushed temperatures to record highs in major cities. In France, 40 people have died, 25 of them heat‑related drownings, since mid‑June. Authorities in Nice issued a very high heat alert with temperatures reaching 30‑35 °C (86‑95 °F). Across the region, governments have deployed mobile cooling stations, hydration campaigns, and extended public facility hours to mitigate the crisis.
A severe heatwave has pushed temperatures in major European cities to record highs, and France has already seen 40 deaths – 25 of them from heat‑related drownings – since mid‑June.
The heatwave peaked Thursday in the French Riviera, where officials in Nice issued a very high heat alert. Daily highs climbed to between 30 °C and 35 °C (86 °F and 95 °F), prompting emergency measures to protect residents.
Governments across western Europe have deployed mobile cooling stations, promoted hydration campaigns, and extended operating hours for public facilities. These steps aim to reduce health risks as temperatures are expected to remain above 32 °C for several days.
John Kenna, BBC’s reporter in Nice, said: Hot temperatures are unprecedented for this time of year and we are seeing rapid changes in how people are coping with the heat.
