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40 People Drown in France Amid Scorching Temperatures
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- At least 40 people, mostly teenagers, have drowned in France over the past five days amid a severe heat wave, with many swimming in unsupervised lakes and canals, according to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
- France is experiencing record-breaking temperatures, with Paris potentially reaching 40°C (104°F) and central regions up to 43°C (109°F), leading to a red alert for heat wave conditions over more than half the country.
- The heat wave is caused by a "heat dome," a high-pressure system that blocks weather fronts, resulting in persistent heat, minimal cloud cover, and little rainfall.
- Additional heat-related fatalities include the deaths of two young children left inside a car, highlighting broader public health risks during the extreme temperatures.
- Many residents in Paris are seeking relief by swimming in local canals despite concerns about water quality and safety due to unsupervised swimming areas.
