Europe swelters under heatwave, France restricts alcohol consumption

A harsh heatwave hitting most parts of Europe saw France imposing a partial ban on alcohol, Germany issuing nationwide warnings and Spain closing a soccer fan park as temperatures reached record highs.

Some 35 out of 96 departments and regions in France expected to issue red heatwave alerts on Sunday due to anticipated temperatures ranging from 39 to 40 degrees Celsius in the southwest to Paris region and then to Burgundy, and even reaching 41 degrees Celsius in some regions.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu preemptively imposed a total ban on alcohol drinking at the annual Fete de la Musique music festivals and other events to be held on Sunday in the 35 regions after a crisis meeting, while authorities in Paris ordered parks to stay open round the clock.

A lady protecting herself from sun rays using an umbrella on the Trocadero square next to Eiffel tower during the second wave of heat striking a major part of France, June 20, 2026. — Reuters

Germany issued heat warnings in most parts with temperatures touching 38 degrees Celsius, and DWD weather forecasting agency warned of thunderstorms due to heat and humidity combination.