France has declared red heatwave alerts for approximately half of the country as temperatures reach record highs, prompting Parisians to seek relief by cooling off in local canals, according to BBC World.

Millions in France are experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 43 degrees Celsius (109.4 degrees Fahrenheit) in places like Rennes. The national weather service, Meteo France, has issued a red heat wave alert for 54 departments, indicating exceptionally high temperatures that are expected to persist. This situation poses challenges, especially in a country where air-conditioning is not widespread, affecting daily life and schools.

Tens of thousands of homes in western France are experiencing power outages due to a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures expected to peak on Wednesday. Approximately 68,000 homes in Brittany are affected, and authorities have indicated that electricity may not be fully restored until Wednesday night at the earliest.

Approximately 20 individuals have drowned in France while attempting to escape a severe heatwave affecting much of Europe. The country is facing extreme temperatures and challenges with its power grid, as record-high temperatures have also been reported in parts of the UK and Spain, according to Al Jazeera.

Paris and other cities in Europe are experiencing temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), which are typically associated with regions in the Middle East, according to Al Jazeera. This unprecedented heatwave highlights the rising temperatures in Europe and draws comparisons to hotter climates globally.

Western Europe is experiencing record high temperatures, with France, Spain, and Italy being the most affected countries by the ongoing heatwave, according to BBC World.