A punishing heatwave sweeping across much of Europe prompted a partial alcohol ban in France, nationwide warnings in Germany, and the closure of a soccer fan zone in Spain, as temperatures climbed towards record levels.
France Implements Alcohol Ban and Red Alerts
France was expecting 35 of its 96 departments or regions to declare red heatwave alerts on Sunday, with temperatures of 39 to 40 degrees Celsius expected from the southwest through the Paris region into Burgundy, with some areas possibly reaching 41°C. After a crisis meeting, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu pre-emptively banned alcohol consumption on Sunday at the annual Fete de la Musique festivals and other public events to be held in those 35 regions. Authorities in Paris ordered parks to remain open around the clock to provide relief for residents.
Germany Issues Nationwide Heat Warnings
Heat alerts were declared in most of Germany, with temperatures approaching 38°C. The DWD weather service warned that a combination of heat and humidity could trigger severe thunderstorms, adding to the risks posed by the extreme weather.
Italy and Spain Also Affected
Beyond the Alps, temperatures expected to reach 36–37°C were transforming daily life and tourism in some Italian towns. In Spain, authorities closed a soccer fan zone as a precautionary measure to protect spectators from the scorching heat.
