Seven dead as extreme heat grips France

France is experiencing an intense heatwave that has pushed temperatures to record levels, with Paris registering the hottest day ever recorded in the month of May, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, the unusually high temperatures have claimed the lives of seven people, according to authorities, as large parts of the country continue to face extreme weather conditions.

Officials said that most of the fatalities occurred when people sought relief from the heat by swimming in lakes, rivers and coastal areas.

Many of the victims reportedly drowned while attempting to cool off during the scorching conditions.

The heatwave has raised concerns among health and emergency services as temperatures continue to climb across several regions of the country.

France’s national weather service has issued warnings that temperatures could rise as high as 36 degrees Celsius, urging residents to take precautions and avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day.

The latest spell of extreme weather is among the most severe early-summer heat events recorded in France and has intensified concerns about the growing impact of extreme climate conditions across Europe.