Record-breaking heat wave holds deadly grip on France, Western Europe
At least 40 people, mostly youths, have drowned while trying to escape the heat, according to French officials.
France and other Western European countries are currently facing a record-breaking heat wave. Hundreds of records were shattered on Monday as temperatures reached 44°C. The peak intensity of the heat is expected to maintain until Wednesday.
This heat wave has been a long-duration event, starting on June 17, and is reminiscent of past deadly heat waves, such as those from 1947, 1976, and 2003.
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While several countries have been in the heat's tight grip, such as Spain and parts of the United Kingdom, France has been among the most impacted. Only about 20 per cent of households across the country have air conditioning, which makes the 40-degree heat incredibly difficult for most of the population to handle.
Translation: Bruno Mars fans waited in line for hours in 40°C heat to see his Paris concert.
Heat reaches its peak through Wednesday
Western regions of France have been facing some of the hottest temperatures from this heat event, with highs reaching 40-44°C on Monday and lasting through Wednesday.
122 all-time records and 332 monthly records were broken on Monday alone in France, such as:
Le Blanc 44.3°C (all-time)
Bordeaux 41.9°C (all-time)
Nantes 41.7°C (monthly)
Rennes 40.6°C (all-time)
Nighttime temperatures have been and will continue to offer little relief, as well. According to Météo-France, overnight temperatures on Monday into Tuesday were the warmest ever recorded at the national scale since measurements started in 1947. The government has also issued red heat wave alerts across 54 departments (France's version of provinces).
Translation: France has just had its hottest night since records began in 1947. This follows the hottest afternoon recorded in the country (37.8°C). As of Tuesday at noon, 54 departments are under a red heat wave alert; which is also unprecedented.
Heat to shift east by the weekend
As the bulk of the heat begins to move east by mid week, Paris could see some of its hottest days from Wednesday through Friday. Highs are forecast to again reach near 40°C--much hotter than the average 24°C folks would typically see this time of year.
The last time Paris had a daytime high below 35°C was on June 18.
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As the heat wave shifts east, folks across Northeastern France, as well as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany will also begin feel the peak heat later in the week. Highs between 35-40°C are forecast by the weekend.