Forty drown in France as people seek relief from Europe's heatwave

Key Points:

• France has reported 40 drowning deaths since June 18 as people sought relief from record-breaking heat, with temperatures reaching up to 44.3°C in the southwest, prompting unprecedented red alerts in 54 departments.
• The heatwave, driven by an Omega block weather pattern and intensified by climate change, is comparable to the deadly 2003 European heatwave, with high temperatures expected to persist through Thursday before gradually easing.
• Other European countries including Britain, Italy, Spain, Belgium, and Switzerland are also experiencing extreme heat, leading to school closures, transport disruptions, and emergency measures such as climate shelters for vulnerable populations.
• The heatwave is impacting daily life and the economy, with increased demand for fans and air conditioning, risks to grain harvests, and some tourist sites like the Eiffel Tower temporarily closing due to the heat.
• Authorities are warning against swimming in unsafe areas to avoid further drownings and are implementing restrictions such as water withdrawal limits in Switzerland and cancelling traditional events in Spain due to wildfire risks.