Europe's heatwave shifts east; Paris restricts alcohol as hospitals declare critical incidents

Europe is currently grappling with a severe and record-breaking heatwave that has tragically claimed hundreds of lives across the continent. Spain has reported an estimated 212 excess deaths since Sunday, while Italy has seen at least five fatalities in under 24 hours, and France has recorded dozens of heat-related deaths, including drownings. This unprecedented June heat has pushed temperatures above 40°C in several regions, with countries like the UK, France, and Switzerland experiencing their hottest June days on record.

In response to the escalating crisis, authorities across Europe have implemented various restrictions and issued urgent alerts. Paris has banned public alcohol consumption from midday and restricted sales from Friday evening to mitigate health risks associated with dehydration and extreme temperatures. Simultaneously, several hospitals in England have declared critical incidents, facing significant strain as cooling systems, MRI scanners, and critical IT infrastructure fail under the intense heat, leading to cancelled appointments and increased pressure on staff.