France hits 45C red heatwave alert with massive crowds flooding the filthy Seine to cool off

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France issue red heatwave alert for many departments. More than half country under highest warning.

Temperatures hit over 40°C in many places. Some areas reach 41-42°C. Forecast say up to 45°C in southwest. Paris near 38-41°C.

This is very hot for June. Schools close. Some events cancel. Alcohol ban in public during Fête de la Musique.

Crowds go to Seine river and Canal Saint-Martin to cool down. Many people swim or sit in water. Police try control dangerous jumps.

Heat cause at least 18 deaths already. Some from hot cars or drowning. Old people most at risk.

Claim “45°C” is close but more accurate for south. “Crowds flood Seine like never before” show real big number of people in water.

BBC report on red heat alerts and Parisians in canal: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0jy9g96086o
BBC video on crowds cooling in Canal St Martin: https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/c802denngxeo
France24 article on red alert and alcohol ban: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20260620-western-europe-braces-for-more-extreme-heat-as-temperatures-continue-to-climb
Reuters on deaths and record temperatures: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/temperatures-exceed-40c-european-heatwave-three-die-france-2026-06-22/