27.06.2026 15:52
Due to record-breaking extreme heat in France, stocks of air conditioners and fans have been depleted. Crowds waiting for store openings across the country have been competing to purchase new air conditioners and fans. The French Sports Minister stated that 55 people have drowned nationwide since the start of the extreme heat, while warnings are being issued repeatedly in Germany as well.
European countries are grappling with scorching heat. In France, where red alerts have been issued in 37 provinces, the extreme temperatures, which continue to break records, have increased demand for fans and air conditioners.
As stocks run out in stores, finding cooling devices has become impossible. In Chambray-les-Tours, Indre-et-Loire, a crowd queued to buy fans and air conditioners, rushing into the store as it opened and competing with each other.
GONE IN SECONDS In stores at different shopping centers, there was pushing and shoving for fans and air conditioners. Cooling devices sold out in seconds.
In some cities, windows were covered with aluminum foil. EMERGENCY DECLARED IN HOSPITALS An "emergency plan" has been activated in hospitals in the Ile-de-France region, including the capital Paris. While authorities are concerned about deaths at home, some city residents have covered their windows with aluminum foil to protect against the heat.
In Paris, people affected by the hot weather flocked to the Saint-Martin Canal to swim and cool off. ALL STAFF ON LEAVE WILL BE CALLED TO DUTY In France, the "white plan," activated in health institutions during emergencies, includes steps such as calling staff on leave to duty, increasing bed capacity, and postponing non-urgent surgeries. Under this emergency plan, a crisis unit is also activated within hospitals.
55 PEOPLE DROWNED French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari stated on public broadcaster Franceinfo that 55 people have drowned nationwide since the onset of the extreme heat. Ferrari urged citizens to be extremely careful while swimming.
LIFE AT A STANDSTILL IN GERMANY AS WELL Meanwhile, the heat wave is also intensifying its effects in Germany. The country is experiencing one of its hottest days in recent years. The German Meteorological Service (DWD) reported that temperatures have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, especially in the western and southwestern parts of the country, and have reached 42 degrees Celsius in some places.
WARNING FROM GERMAN RAILWAYS Warning that the extreme heat could also affect railway infrastructure, German Railways (Deutsche Bahn) announced that due to possible deformations on tracks caused by high temperatures, delays and schedule changes may occur on some lines. The company stated that free cancellations and date changes are allowed for tickets purchased for specific dates, and advised passengers to check their trip information before traveling.
FOREST FIRE RISK AT HIGHEST LEVEL The DWD reported that the risk of forest fires is at its highest levels, especially in the eastern states of the country. Authorities warned against lighting fires, discarding cigarette butts, and parking vehicles on dry grass in forested areas due to the hot and dry weather.