Drowning deaths reported in France as Europe swelters in heat wave

France reported 40 drowning deaths over the past week as a severe heat wave pushed people to swim for relief. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the victims were mainly young people, with deaths occurring since last Thursday. Extreme temperatures affected millions across Europe on Tuesday, and conditions were expected to remain at least through the end of the week, with daytime highs above 104°F in many towns. Meteo France put 54 departments, about half the country, under a red heat alert, and said Tuesday temperatures would stay high around the clock. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower adjusted operations by closing in the afternoon rather than late at night. Temperatures in France also included the hottest June day on record and the hottest June night ever, according to BBC News. Similar heat and red alerts were reported in Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom, while international agencies link rising heat extremes to climate change.