Europe swelters under historic heatwave; Paris bans public alcohol consumption

Europe is currently enduring a severe and historic heatwave, with temperatures soaring to record highs across the continent. Countries like France, the UK, Spain, and Switzerland have reported unprecedented heat, with Paris registering a June record of 40.9°C (105.6°F) this week. The extreme conditions are putting immense pressure on emergency services and have tragically led to numerous fatalities, including drownings and heat-related deaths.

In response to the escalating crisis, authorities in Paris have implemented a temporary ban on public alcohol consumption and takeaway alcohol sales, effective from Friday, June 26, and throughout the weekend. This measure aims to alleviate the burden on hospitals, which are reportedly at a "saturation point" due to a significant increase in heat-related illnesses, including a quadrupling of cardiac arrest calls in the French capital. Beyond Paris, a third of France remains under a "red alert" for heat, with other measures such as school closures and extended park hours also in effect to help residents cope with the scorching temperatures.