France has recorded its hottest night in almost eight decades, as extreme temperatures continue to intensify across the country, the national meteorological service has said.
The agency reported that the national nighttime heat indicator reached 21.6°C, marking the highest level recorded since 1947.
According to the French meteorological institute, the temperature data was compiled from 30 weather stations nationwide, confirming an unprecedented overnight heat pattern.
Authorities placed 54 departments in mainland France under red alert, the highest heat warning level, while 35 additional departments remain under orange alert.
The agency warned that persistent high temperatures are expected to continue affecting large parts of the country.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said an inter-ministerial crisis unit has been activated to coordinate national response efforts to the heatwave.
He also disclosed that around 40 deaths by drowning have been recorded since June 18, with most victims reportedly being young people, according to BFMTV.
Officials have urged the public to avoid risky water activities as temperatures rise.
Health authorities have warned that the prolonged heatwave poses serious risks, especially to elderly people, children, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
Emergency services across France remain on high alert as hospitals prepare for increased heat-related admissions.
Meteorologists say the extreme weather is part of a broader pattern of rising summer temperatures across Europe, raising renewed concerns about climate change and its impact on public safety.
