Schools close as more than half of France under red heat alerts

France experienced widespread school closures and emergency measures as over half the country was placed under red heat alerts this week, with temperatures forecast to reach their peak on Monday. Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau warned that "many citizens will suffer" due to the extreme heatwave, which has prompted authorities to implement water-saving restrictions and advise vulnerable populations to stay indoors. The national meteorological service, Météo-France, reported that several regions, including the Hérault and Gard departments, recorded temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) over the weekend. This heatwave is attributed to a mass of hot air originating from North Africa, exacerbated by climate change, according to environmental scientists. Emergency services are on high alert, with additional resources deployed to manage potential heat-related illnesses and wildfires, which are a significant risk in the dry conditions. The government has also activated its national heatwave plan, coordinating efforts between health, education, and emergency management agencies to mitigate the impact on public health and infrastructure.