France has banned alcohol at some events during a huge national music festival as temperatures climb towards 40C amid an intense heatwave. The annual Fête de la Musique celebrations attract millions of people to streets and public spaces across the country.
However, with a third of the country placed under the highest level of heatwave alert, authorities have prohibited alcohol consumption in public areas covered by the red warnings. The office of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said: “For all events organised by the state and its agencies, instructions have been given not to offer alcohol.”
Temperatures of between 39C and 40C are forecast from the south-west through the Paris region and into Burgundy on Sunday, while some areas could see highs of 41C.
Forecasters expect temperatures to peak on Monday, with officials warning that conditions could approach historic records.
The government said limits on alcohol consumption were needed “to preserve emergency and healthcare services and allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable”.
An intense heatwave has developed across much of Europe, with many areas experiencing temperatures 10C to 15C above seasonal averages.
The hot weather has already disrupted daily life in France, forcing the cancellation of dozens of train services and leading to the suspension of classes in some areas.
France’s national weather service, Météo-France, said it remained “uncertain” how long the heatwave would last. The extreme temperatures are estimated to affect around three-quarters of the country’s population.
In Paris, authorities are keeping parks and gardens open throughout the night to help residents and tourists escape the heat.
Fête de la Musique, one of France’s largest cultural celebrations, has been held for more than 40 years and takes place every year on the summer solstice.
Around two million people attended events across the French capital last year.
