France Heatwave: Over 50 Dead, Paris Bans Alcohol as Temperatures Hit 43.8°C

France Heatwave: Fatalities and Emergency Measures

According to УНІАН — Туризм: A severe heatwave sweeping across France has claimed more than 50 lives, including at least three children left inside cars. The latest hot spell began on June 18, 2026, pushing temperatures to a record-breaking 43.8°C in some parts of the country. On Wednesday, June 26, Paris recorded a new June high of 40.9°C.

With hospitals overwhelmed by the surge in heat-related emergencies, Paris has imposed a temporary ban on drinking alcohol in public spaces. The restriction starts at noon on Friday, June 26, and runs until 7 a.m. on Saturday, then repeats from Saturday through Sunday. Takeaway alcohol sales are also prohibited from 6 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday and from 6 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday. Paris police chief Patrice Forre stated:

'We have reached the limit of hospital overcrowding. I must ensure the burden is reduced.'

Safety Measures and Heatwave Consequences

Many schools in Paris have shut down, and parks are now operating around the clock. The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre have shortened their hours due to the extreme conditions. French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist reported on June 25 that Paris emergency services recorded four times the usual number of cardiac arrests over a 24-hour period.

Since the start of this heatwave, at least 55 people across the country have drowned while trying to cool off in rivers and lakes. At the same time, French nuclear power plants have begun shutting down en masse due to low river water levels and overheating. The heat has also killed hundreds of thousands of birds on poultry farms in Brittany and the Pays de la Loire region.

This crisis highlights the severe impacts of climate change and extreme weather on public health and infrastructure. As the heatwave persists, authorities are taking steps to protect citizens, but challenges related to healthcare and safety remain urgent. The events in France serve as a stark warning for other nations that may face similar weather extremes in the future.

As the heatwave continues to wreak havoc across France, neighboring countries are also feeling the impact of soaring temperatures. For instance, Italy has issued a red alert for several major cities, with temperatures expected to exceed 40°C. This regional crisis underscores the growing urgency of addressing climate-related challenges throughout Europe.