France Heatwave: Authorities create an app to help people cool down

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Europe

02:33

Much of Europe is currently in the grip of an intense heatwave that could see records broken this weekend. The mercury hit 47 degrees Celsius in parts of southern Spain on Friday. In the French capital, it's got so bad this summer, that authorities have created an app to help residents and tourists beat the heat. Elena Casas has this report from Paris.

The mercury is rising in Paris - it was the third hottest July here since records began in 1900, and the heatwave isn't over yet.

DONE FRANCOIS GOURAND, METEROLOGIST METEO FRANCE "The climate is getting warmer on a global level, so we see extreme heat all over the world, whereas in the past a heatwave wouldn't usually affect different zones of the planet at the same time, and it hasn't finished yet."

It's set to remain over 30 degrees well into August - these Parisians are keeping cool in the park.

"Personally, I like the heat, but it is really hot, you have to drink a lot of water, luckily here there are lots of water fountains."

"I'm working with kids, but I'm not too worried, we have to avoid doing too much sport with them and stay indoors more, but now we've come out to have a water fight, that way they hydrate and have fun."

ELENA CASAS PARIS People here are enjoying the sun - but the heat can be dangerous. Two people drowned in July by jumping into this canal to cool off, and during France's last major heatwave in 2003, 15 thousand elderly people died.

The authorities say they have learned from 2003 - air-conditioned spaces like this have been opened up in public buildings across Paris for people to cool down, especially the elderly. The city has also launched a phone app to help people find somewhere cool close by. Emergency services say they're prepared for a possible rush of patients.

ANNE SOUYRIS DEPUTY MAYOR IN CHARGE OF HEALTH "I know people are worried, and so are we, but the hospitals are ready for this, we have volunteers working with the elderly who are ready for this, we have a network of resources across the city, so we do believe we are covered."

The heat seems exceptional now - but scientists say that in just a few years' time, what's now a record breaking heatwave could be a normal summer. Elena Casas, CGTN, Paris.