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French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has suggested that regional governors ban drinking and selling takeaway alcohol in public spaces as the heat wave continues in France. He warned that alcohol increases the risk of drowning and puts more pressure on the already busy health system.
The recommendation comes after the country's national media reported that June 23 and 24 were among the hottest days ever recorded in France. Similar extreme conditions are expected over the weekend. Nunez pointed to the steps already taken in Paris as an example for other regions, especially those facing the highest health risks.
French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari told Franceinfo that 55 people have drowned across the country since the extreme heat began. She urged people to be very careful in the water.
Hospitals are under more pressure as the heat wave affects public health. Local authorities are putting new measures in place to prevent conditions from worsening.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu called a new crisis meeting to discuss the ongoing heat emergency. In Paris, several planned weekend demonstrations were postponed at the request of the Paris Police Prefecture.
The French weather agency Meteo-France issued red alerts, the highest level, for 61 departments and orange alerts for 22 departments as the heat wave got worse.
French electricity distributor Enedis said incidents affecting power infrastructure are increasing due to extreme heat. About 46,000 homes have lost electricity, mostly in Yvelines, Gironde, and Hauts-de-Seine.
French electricity company EDF also announced it has set aside 80 million euros ($87.4 million) to help schools, nurseries, and children's centers deal with the extreme heat. Half of the money will go to buying fans and air conditioners, while the rest will be used for building cooling projects.
Nine wildfires are currently burning across France, according to the Feux de Foret platform, which tracks fires in green spaces. Fires that started the day before destroyed 20 hectares near Mercurey and burned 3,000 square meters near Marigne-Laille. Two of these fires are now under control.
Videos on social media showed crowds rushing into stores across France to buy fans and air conditioners. Several stores reported heavy congestion.
Inside the National Assembly, Deputy Speaker Christophe Blanchet told members during a plenary session that temperatures in the chamber would rise, not because of the debate, but because the air conditioning system was not working.
"I am informing you that the temperature in the plenary chamber will increase," Blanchet said. He added that the problem would not disrupt the session and asked lawmakers not to "heat up" the atmosphere any further.
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