As the heat hits new heights in France, thrill-seekers take a dip. The country sizzling in record-breaking temperatures. It's just hell on Earth. Even Australian tourists are feeling the heat. 38° in Melbourne, it feels a lot cooler somehow than a 38° day in Paris. It's so hot, cities across Europe have gone into shutdown. Tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are closing early.
It's disappointing, but you just have to accept it. Thousands of schools have shut. Those that remain open are taking a socks-off approach. In the UK, train networks urge would-be travelers to stay home with temperatures expected to rise as high as 40°. H O T, hot. We wait all year for some sun, so we should just not complain. I love the sunshine, but for many people it's an absolute nightmare. Heat alerts have also been issued for large parts of Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Climate disasters are becoming more frequent. London isn't just calling, it's cooking.
Water brings relief for some, but also poses a risk. At least 40 people have drowned in France in the past week. This is Europe's second deadly heatwave in 2 months. Experts say young children and the elderly are most at risk, especially in cities like London that were never built to withstand these prolonged high temperatures. Those desperate for a reprieve will need to wait a few more days. Sayon Valence, ABC News, London.