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.

According to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, forty people have drowned in France due to heatwave-related incidents since last Thursday. This surge in drowning deaths coincides with a peak heatwave affecting Europe.

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.

Amelie Kenney and her partner Francesca Pilia live in a top-floor apartment in Paris, which offers a picturesque view of the city. However, a historic heat wave has raised concerns about the safety of such attic apartments, making them potentially hazardous during extreme temperatures, according to AP.

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.

Hundreds of migrants in Paris are facing extreme conditions as a heatwave affects Europe, leaving them with minimal shelter and aid, according to Al Jazeera. The situation highlights the vulnerabilities of this population during severe weather events.