Deadly heat wave bakes Europe

Scorching temperatures are causing a deadly heat wave this week across Europe. Air conditioning is not widespread in the region, and France has been especially hard hit, with temperatures reaching record highs, prompting public officials to close schools, cancel public events, and restrict alcohol consumption. French officials have blamed at least five deaths on the weather, and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said at least 40 other people have died drowning as citizens flock to beaches, rivers, and lakes to escape the heat.

More than half of France’s regions were under a red heat alert, the highest warning level, as of Tuesday morning, according to the national weather service Météo France. The temperature in one town reached around 109 degrees Fahrenheit. French President Emmanuel Macron urged citizens to look out for one another, as the elderly and children are especially vulnerable to the extreme weather.

What other countries are feeling the heat?

• Spain’s national weather service issued a heat wave warning for parts of the country Sunday, with the high temperatures expected to last until Wednesday. In Madrid, officials canceled a public screening of Spain’s World Cup match against Saudi Arabia.

• Milan, Florence, and Rome were among the cities most affected by a heatwave in Italy. There, temperatures have peaked at 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

• The U.K.’s Met Office said the country will likely break its highest temperature on record for June in the coming days.

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