A heat wave that hits France caused at least 40 deaths due to drowning since June 18, “mainly young people”, announced the Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, this Tuesday (23).
A France recorded its hottest day since 1947 on Tuesdaywhen records began, according to the Météo France meteorological service, which reported an average temperature of 29.8°C. Peaks reached over 40°C.
Os French people experience their second heat wave in less than a month. According to scientific consensus, climate change caused by human activity intensifies extreme weather events.
This Tuesday, authorities focused on the number of drownings: 40 since June 18, “mainly young people”. “They are the first victims of the crisis we are experiencing,” added the prime minister.
O phenomenon, however, is not new. During the summer of 2025, 409 people drowned in France, a 16% increase compared to 2024, according to health authorities. Among the victims were 57 children and teenagers.
While the French seek rivers, lakes and other places with water to cool off, the Minister of Sports, Marina Ferrari, thewarns about the risks of swimming in unsupervised areas and emphasizes the importance of only visiting designated places for bathing.
are-tjc/erl/aa
