STORY: France swelters under record-breaking late summer heat wave
DATELINE: Aug. 26, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:06
LOCATION: Paris
CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT

SHOTLIST:
1. various of street views in France
2. SOUNDBITE (French): MANUEL CARPIO, Local resident

STORYLINE:

Europe is experiencing a rare and intense heat wave that has lasted for several days, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in some parts of France.

19 French departments are on red alert, the highest level of weather warning, as the heat poses a serious threat to health and safety.

"When we reach the red level, the whole population must indeed be careful, because we are entering a period when the organisms are exposed to heat, the extension of which must be avoided," underlined Christophe Bechu, Minister for the Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion.

The authorities have issued various measures to protect the population, such as cancelling outdoor activities, closing poorly ventilated buildings, and banning fireworks and forest access to prevent fires.

The heat wave is unprecedented in its duration and intensity at this time of year, according to Meteo France, the national meteorological body.

Monday was the hottest day ever observed in France after August 15 since 1947. The highest temperature recorded was 42.4 degrees Celsius in Nyons in the Drome, a new record for this weather station.

Meanwhile, some people are struggling to cope with the extreme temperatures.

SOUNDBITE (French): MANUEL CARPIO, Local resident
"I went for a walk this morning， but it was not going very well at the moment. I'm afraid of the heat. I can't wait for the heat wave to end."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Paris.
(XHTV)