France records highest national average temperature on record

PARIS, France — France recorded its highest national average temperature on Tuesday since records began in 1947, with Météo-France measuring 29.8 degrees Celsius nationwide. The figure surpassed previous records set in 2003 and 2019. In the southwestern town of Bissoe, thermometers reached 44.3 degrees Celsius, and officials warned that the ongoing heatwave could exceed the deadly August 2003 episode. The extreme heat prompted the early closure of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, shortened visiting hours at the Mont Saint-Michel monument, and forced the shutdown of a nuclear power plant. Dozens of people drowned while trying to cool off in rivers and other waterways. In the United Kingdom, the highest alert level was issued for southern regions and London, with temperatures forecast to approach 40 degrees Celsius, surpassing the June record of 35.6 degrees. Italy, Spain, Slovenia and Belgium introduced emergency measures, including shortened outdoor working hours, reduced train speeds and school closures. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said vulnerable groups faced life-threatening risks without urgent protective action. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said dependence on fossil fuels was deepening the climate and energy crises and called for an accelerated response to climate change.