A record-breaking heatwave has gripped much of western Europe, bringing exceptionally high temperatures, power outages and growing safety concerns. France has been among the worst affected, recording its hottest day and night since national records began, with temperatures exceeding 44°C in some areas. Around 68,000 homes in Brittany lost electricity, while more than half of France came under the highest heat alert. At least forty have drowned in heatwave-related incidents, and there have been warnings of increased wildfire risks. Major landmarks, including the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower, adjusted opening hours because of the extreme conditions. The heat has also spread across neighbouring countries, with severe warnings issued in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the UK, and parts of eastern Europe. World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged governments to prioritise investment in climate-resilient health systems: he added that there must be no more delay. See