Extreme Heat Hits Europe, 68,000 French Homes Lose Power

An unprecedented and intense heatwave is gripping France and much of Western Europe, with extreme temperatures now spreading eastward across the continent.

More than half of France was placed under the highest-level weather warning, a red alert, on Wednesday as authorities struggled to cope with the worsening conditions. In western France, soaring temperatures caused transformers to fail, leaving nearly 68,000 homes without electricity.

According to the French meteorological agency Météo-France, Tuesday was the hottest day ever recorded in June in the country's history. The national average temperature reached 29.8 degrees Celsius.

In parts of Landes in southwestern France, temperatures climbed as high as 44.3 degrees Celsius.

The extreme heat has also led to a rise in heat-related accidents. Since last Thursday, at least 40 people have drowned in France after entering rivers, lakes and other bodies of water to escape the scorching temperatures, according to local reports.

Spain and Italy are also facing severe impacts from the heatwave. In Italy, authorities have issued red alerts in 16 provincial capitals as temperatures continue to soar.

Meteorologists warned that the extreme weather conditions affecting Europe could intensify further in the coming days, raising concerns about public health, infrastructure and energy systems across the region.

Temperatures in the Netherlands and Belgium could reach 39 degrees Celsius by Friday, as the intense heatwave continues to spread across Europe.

Dutch authorities have issued a Code Orange weather warning for the southern and central regions of the Netherlands, signaling potentially dangerous weather conditions.

In Belgium, the government has activated the alert phase of its National Ozone and Heat Plan to raise awareness and protect vulnerable groups, particularly older adults and children.

Meanwhile, temperatures in Germany could approach 40 degrees Celsius by the end of the week. Heat warnings have also been issued in several Eastern European countries, including Poland, Croatia and Hungary.

Speaking in an interview with French radio, France's labor minister said the country is gradually becoming a nation of extreme heat.

The severe weather has also affected cultural institutions. The world-famous Louvre Museum has shortened its daily visiting hours through Saturday due to the heatwave.

Museum officials said the historic building is not adequately adapted to withstand the impacts of climate change and extreme temperatures.