At least 18 dead in France as record heatwave disrupts schools and pushes temperatures to new highs
At least 18 people have died in France as a record heatwave swept across parts of Europe and drove temperatures to new highs in several cities. The hottest conditions were reported on Monday, with Bordeaux reaching 41.9C and Poitiers 41.2C. Schools in France remained shut or operated on modified timetables as the extreme heat continued to affect daily life.
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Among the dead were two children aged two and four, who died in their family car in southeast France after the vehicle became extremely hot in the heatwave. First responders were unable to revive them after they were found unconscious. A French government official also said three older people, aged between 80 and 95, died over the weekend in the Bordeaux region after health problems linked to the heat.
Officials also reported 13 drowning deaths from Sunday to Monday as people tried to cool off by swimming. The French Civil Safety service advised the public to swim only in supervised places. The warning came after a sharp rise in drowning deaths during the summer last year, when such fatalities increased by 172% in France.
The heatwave has added to pressure on public services and schools at the start of the summer period. Record temperatures in Bordeaux broke last August's high, while Poitiers moved beyond a previous record set in 1947. Forecasters in Britain also said temperatures there could beat June records this week, underlining the wider reach of the weather system affecting western Europe.
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The deaths and disruption highlight the immediate risks of prolonged extreme heat, especially for children, older people and those seeking relief in water. The figures reported so far suggest the impact is still developing, and officials have not said whether the death toll will rise further. What remains unclear is how long the heat will last and whether more cities will break temperature records in the coming days.
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