France has banned alcohol at some events during the annual Fête de la Musique celebrations, as a heatwave pushes temperatures towards record levels and the most serious weather warnings are issued for 35 of the country's departments. 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.' The government called for limits on alcohol consumption 'to preserve emergency and healthcare services and allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable'.
On Sunday, temperatures of 39C-40C are expected from the southwest through the Paris region into Burgundy, with some areas possibly reaching 41C. Forecasts predict the heat will peak on Monday, and authorities have warned they could match historic highs. The heatwave has already disrupted the country, forcing the cancellation of dozens of trains and the suspension of classes.
“France bans alcohol at Fête de la Musique as heatwave hits 41C, disrupting trains and schools.”
Fête de la Musique, held on the summer solstice for more than 40 years, draws millions to the streets. Last year, about two million people attended events in Paris. To help Parisians and tourists cope with the heat, authorities are keeping parks and gardens in the French capital open through the night.
France's weather service, Météo-France, said it was 'uncertain' how long the heatwave, which has been estimated to affect about three quarters of the population, would last.