Europe swelters under heatwave, prompting crisis talks in France

PARIS/BERLIN/ROME, June 20 (Reuters): A punishing heatwave sweeping across much of Europe prompted emergency meetings in France, nationwide warnings in Germany and strains on tourists and residents in Italy, as temperatures climbed towards record levels.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu was due to hold a crisis meeting on Saturday after the national weather agency Meteo France warned the heat would persist into next week, describing it as comparable to major episodes in 2003 and 2019.

By Sunday, forecasters said temperatures of 39 to 40 degrees Celsius would stretch from the southwest through the Paris region into Burgundy, with some areas possibly reaching 41C.

Temperatures are expected to peak on Monday, potentially matching historic highs.