Italy, Spain, and several other Mediterranean countries are also enduring prolonged extreme heat, heightened wildfire risks, and worsening drought conditions.
According to France's national weather agency, Météo-France, 24 departments in northwestern France were placed under a red heat alert on Saturday, affecting more than 22 million people. Temperatures of 35°C to 38°C are forecast across much of the country, with highs reaching 39°C from Burgundy to the Pays de la Loire region.
Most of the remaining parts of France are under an orange heat alert as it prepares for Bastille Day celebrations on July 14.
The Eiffel Tower announced it would "exceptionally close" at 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday due to the extreme heat in Paris, while the Louvre Museum will also shut its doors at 4 p.m. through Monday. The Musée d'Orsay said it will close at 5 p.m. daily from Saturday through Wednesday.
In Italy, the Ministry of Health has issued the highest-level red heat alert for several major cities, including Florence and Perugia. The heatwave is expected to peak on Thursday and Friday, with temperatures on the island of Sardinia potentially soaring to 43°C. Many parts of central and southern Italy, as well as the Po Valley, are also expected to approach 40°C.
In Spain, the national weather agency AEMET said much of the Iberian Peninsula will continue to experience extreme heat in the coming days, with temperatures expected to reach 36°C to 38°C.
