People scramble to buy ACs and cooling fans in France as record Europe heatwave disrupts schools, nuclear reactors

A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has prompted authorities to implement emergency measures as soaring temperatures disrupt daily life, force school closures and affect power generation. In France, the government activated the highest level of health services mobilisation, while Paris prepared to ban public alcohol consumption to reduce heat-related health risks.

The extreme weather also triggered panic buying in some areas. A viral video from Chambéry showed dozens of shoppers rushing into a store to buy air conditioners as soon as it opened, with crowds running through the aisles as the situation quickly became chaotic.

France steps up emergency response

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu activated the highest level of health services mobilisation, allowing non-urgent operations to be postponed so medical resources can focus on people affected by the heatwave.

Paris recorded another sweltering day after temperatures reached a June record of 40.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

Paris police chief Patrice Faure said an order would be issued banning the consumption of alcohol in public from midday on Friday. He said drinking alcohol under intense sunshine could have devastating health effects.

Schools disrupted across Europe

French Education Minister Edouard Geffray said 13,500 schools were either closed or operating on special schedules on Thursday because many were unable to adequately protect children from the extreme heat.

In Britain, more than 1,000 schools were fully or partially closed as temperatures in some classrooms exceeded 40 degrees Celsius. Authorities also expressed concern over excessive heat on playgrounds without tree cover.

Heatwave affects energy production

France's main energy provider temporarily shut down two nuclear reactors on Thursday to comply with environmental regulations limiting the temperature of river water used for cooling.

Power plants use river water to cool reactors before releasing the warmed water back into rivers. EDF said it halted two reactors at the Nogent-sur-Seine plant on the Seine River in northern France and at the Bugey plant on the Rhône River near Lyon after river temperatures approached regulatory limits.

Demand for air conditioners rises

Air conditioning remains relatively uncommon across Europe, but demand has surged during the heatwave. Asian manufacturers, including South Korea's Samsung Electronics, China's Midea and Japan's Mitsubishi Electric, are experiencing strong sales growth, particularly in France, Spain and Italy.

Omega block driving extreme temperatures

According to the Reuters Climate Monitor, the heatwave is being driven by a weather pattern known as an Omega block, which is pushing temperatures up to 18 degrees Celsius above normal.

The weather pattern resembles the Greek letter Omega, with a high-pressure system trapping hot air over affected regions for extended periods while cooler conditions remain around its edges. Heatwaves and storms are being intensified by climate change.

(With input from Agencies)