
France is facing an unusual heat wave for the month of May, and the extreme temperatures have claimed their first victim. One person died during a running race in Paris, while at least 10 other runners ended up in hospital due to high temperatures and heat-related health problems.
According to French authorities, the incident occurred during a sporting event in the capital, while emergency services immediately intervened to help participants who showed signs of fatigue and dehydration.
The French meteorological service, Météo-France, announced that temperatures in Paris have exceeded 30 degrees Celsius for the first time this year, reaching up to 31.9°C. Meanwhile, in several other areas of the country, historical records for the month of May have been broken.
Meteorologists link this situation to a phenomenon called a "thermal dome", which is bringing hot air masses from North Africa and keeping temperatures at very high levels.
Authorities have put several regions of western France on alert, with forecasts indicating temperatures could reach up to 35 degrees Celsius over the coming days.
Experts warn that frequent heat waves are a consequence of climate change and are expected to become increasingly intense in the coming years.