Millions Face Extreme Heat Across Western Europe as France Awaits Relief

A severe heatwave has gripped Western Europe, impacting tens of millions of residents. The extreme weather has stretched from Spain to Germany, with an estimated 101 million people expected to encounter temperatures exceeding 35C on Thursday.

In France, the heat has been particularly intense, leading to red alerts in 72 of the country's 96 mainland departments. This high-level alert affected more than 50 million people.

The current weather patterns have been described as "punishing and increasingly deadly," with some regions experiencing heat levels that surpass temperatures found in parts of Africa.

While the heatwave has caused widespread distress across the continent, including in the UK and Spain, a shift in weather is anticipated for some. Temperatures in France are projected to begin falling from Thursday evening.