Much of Europe was preparing Monday for an already fierce heatwave to intensify even further in the coming days, with some countries taking special measures to mitigate its effects.
France recorded heat-related deaths over the weekend. A leading researcher reiterated that human-driven climate change had contributed to the recent record-breaking heatwave.
In France, 49 of the country’s 96 mainland departments were on a red alert weather warning, up from 35 over the weekend.
Officials announced the closure of 845 schools Monday with another 1,800 set to let students leave earlier than normal.
On Sunday, several towns had cancelled the annual music festival and the government banned alcohol consumption in public places on health and public order grounds in departments already under the weather red alert.
