# Forty people have drowned in France over recent days as they sought to cool down to escape a record heatwave sweeping across much of Europe. Britain, Italy, Switzerland and Spain were also sweltering in extreme heat, with record temperatures in some regions disrupting schools and transport networks. Much of France is under a severe heat alert with people jumping into canals and rivers to cool off. Meteo France said current conditions were comparable to a heatwave in August 2003. It lasted 16 days and led to an estimated 800-thousand excess deaths across Europe.
Forty drown in France as people seek relief from Europe’s heatwave