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Heatwave Horror: 40 Drownings Reported in France as Europe Sizzles

The GuardianTuesday, June 23, 2026
Heatwave Horror: 40 Drownings Reported in France as Europe Sizzles

A devastating heatwave is gripping Europe, with France bearing the brunt of the scorching temperatures. The country's prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, has announced that 40 people have lost their lives in drowning incidents while attempting to cool off in unsupervised areas. Most of the victims are young individuals. As the nation struggles to cope with the unprecedented heat, Lecornu is set to convene a crisis meeting with ministers to address the crisis. The heatwave has already shattered numerous temperature records, with overnight temperatures reaching their highest levels since 1947. In response to the extreme weather, officials in the Paris region are advising citizens to work from home and avoid using public transportation, as the heat puts a significant strain on the transport network. The situation is equally dire in other parts of Europe, with the UK and Spain also experiencing record-breaking temperatures. Climate scientists attribute the heatwave to a massive bubble of hot air that has formed over the continent, drawing in warm air from North Africa. The United Nations secretary general, António Guterres, has urged global leaders to take action to limit global warming, warning that the world is on the brink of catastrophic climate change. As the heatwave continues to intensify, governments across Europe are scrambling to respond to the crisis and mitigate its effects on their citizens.

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