The extreme heat wave, which has been ongoing for 11 consecutive days, is hitting Central and Northern Europe, bringing record temperatures and tragic consequences.
The French weather service, Météo-France, expects the red alert for extreme temperatures to be lifted on Sunday evening, after a gradual drop in temperatures. However, 37 departments in France remain at the highest level of alert.
Meanwhile, the heatwave has claimed lives. An 18-month-old baby died after being found in critical condition inside a car parked in the parking lot of a university hospital in Marseille. According to authorities, the child was rushed to hospital but did not survive.
Two children, ages 2 and 4, were also found dead in their family’s car parked in a housing complex in southern France on Monday. Another child, 3, died on Wednesday after being left alone in a vehicle in scorching temperatures.
The high temperatures have also affected the energy sector. Due to extreme weather conditions, three reactors were forced to temporarily cease operation, leading to a reduction in electricity production.
Authorities continue to urge citizens to avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day and to never leave children or animals locked in vehicles, even for a few minutes.