The extreme heat wave that hit Europe – the extraordinary measures taken

While the Israeli summer has been fairly routine for the time being, in recent days Europe has been dealing with a particularly unusual heat wave that affects tens of millions of people. In large areas of the continent, temperatures have crossed the 35 degree mark, and the heat is expected to reach its peak tomorrow (Monday) and may even equal historical records.

In France, the famous music festival, which attracts millions of people to the streets across the country, takes place in the shadow of the heat wave. A third of France is under a heat warning of the highest degree – and the authorities have decided to ban the consumption of alcohol in public in those areas. Prime Minister Sebastian LeCorno’s office issued the call to limit alcohol consumption “to maintain the ability of the emergency and health services to function and allow the medical teams to focus on treating the most vulnerable populations.”

In the coming hours, the temperatures in the country are expected to cross the 40 degree threshold, mainly in the south and west of the country, and it will also be particularly hot in Paris. The French forecasting service said that it is still “unclear” how long the heat wave will last, which is estimated to affect about three quarters of the country’s population.

The unusual heat wave also hit Spain, Germany and Italy, among others, when temperatures in all these countries are expected to approach 40 degrees. Across the continent, emergency forces were on standby and sports events were cancelled.

In an attempt to cope with the intense heat, the Eiffel Tower and other sites in Paris have placed spray and cooling stations for visitors, and many tourists and locals throughout Europe entered the rivers and fountains in the cities.