France records hottest night ever, 40 deaths reported

2026-06-23 13:54:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

France experienced its hottest night ever recorded - between June 22 and 23 - as the intense heatwave caused at least 40 deaths from drownings since June 18, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said.

The heat wave swept through the country last week, disrupting daily life and forcing the closure of schools and the cancellation of trains.

Lecornu gathered ministers for a new emergency meeting on Tuesday to address the situation.

According to the Meteo-France meteorological agency, the country recorded its hottest night ever since measurements began in 1947.

The average temperature nationwide reached 21.6°C, surpassing the previous record of 21.4°C set in 2019.

Lecornu described the situation as a "great tragedy" and said the victims are a direct consequence of the heat crisis.

"The latest figure reported to us is 40 deaths since June 18 - mostly young people," he said at the emergency meeting.

"These are the first victims of the crisis we are facing," Lecornu added.

Across France, people are jumping into canals and rivers to cool off.

French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari said she understood the desire to escape the heat, but warned against swimming in unauthorized or dangerous areas.

According to weather experts, this heat wave is being caused by an atmospheric phenomenon called the "Omega block."

It is shaped like the Greek letter Omega and creates a mass of very hot air in the middle, while there is cooler air on the sides.

This causes temperatures to rise every day.

In Italy, the Ministry of Health issued the highest alert for 15 cities, while authorities took measures to limit work.

The UK Met Office predicted temperatures of up to 37°C in southern England on Tuesday - potentially a new record for the month of June.

Dozens of schools announced they would close, as the old buildings are not suitable for classes with more than 30 students.

High temperatures also prevail in other parts of Europe, including the Balkans.

This is the second heat wave in just two months, following an unusually hot period in May.

Scientists warn that the recurrence of these waves is a clear indicator of global warming and that they are expected to become increasingly frequent, longer and more intense. /REL