Paris, France. Around 20 people have drowned while swimming in unsupervised areas in France since the weekend, authorities said on Tuesday, as many sought relief from a heatwave affecting large parts of Europe. Much of France was expected to see temperatures of around 40 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, according to MeteoFrance.
Drownings reported since the weekend
French sports minister Marina Ferrari told France Inter radio that there had been around 20 deaths since last weekend.
Warning over unauthorised swimming areas
Ferrari warned against swimming in unauthorised areas during extreme heat, saying it was not something to take lightly.
Heatwave across France
MeteoFrance said much of the country was set to experience temperatures of about 40 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.