**PARIS** — At least 20 people have drowned in France since the weekend as a severe heatwave intensified across Europe, prompting red alerts in multiple countries, authorities said on Tuesday.
French Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari reported around 20 fatal drownings as people sought relief in rivers, lakes and unsupervised swimming areas amid soaring temperatures, according to statements carried by Euronews and other outlets.
The incidents come as large parts of Western Europe sweltered under record early-summer heat. France registered its hottest June day on record Tuesday, with an average temperature of 29.8 degrees Celsius (85.6 Fahrenheit), meteorological services reported. Temperatures exceeded 40C (104F) in some areas, with more than half of French departments under the highest "red" heat alert level.
Similar extreme conditions affected Spain, Italy, Britain and other nations, with authorities issuing warnings about health risks and water safety. In France, officials noted that drowning deaths typically rise during heatwaves as people enter waters without adequate supervision.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened an emergency meeting on the heatwave. “There is a tragic scourge of drownings,” he said, citing updated figures.
Civil safety officials urged the public to swim only in supervised locations. French authorities have previously recorded significant increases in drownings during hot periods, with a 172% spike noted in one prior heatwave year.
The heat has disrupted daily life across the continent. Schools closed or adjusted schedules in parts of France, while transport services faced strain. In Italy and Spain, red alerts were issued for several cities, with forecasts of continued high temperatures. Britain’s Met Office also warned of extreme heat in southern regions.
Broader heat-related fatalities have been reported, including elderly individuals and cases involving children left in vehicles, though specific totals vary by country and attribution. Details on the precise circumstances of the latest drownings remained under investigation by local authorities.
Meteorologists linked the pattern to an "Omega block" high-pressure system trapping hot air over the region. Climate researchers have noted the increasing frequency and intensity of such early-season heat events.
As of Tuesday, red alerts remained in effect across much of France into the coming days, with officials continuing to monitor the situation and advise caution in water activities and during peak heat hours.
