Fête de la Musique in France and Extreme Heat

On June 21, France celebrates Fête de la Musique — the Music Festival. This date is considered the official start of summer and has been one of the most massive cultural events in the country for over forty years.
Usually, on this day, the streets of French cities turn into concert venues: free performances by musicians, festivals, concerts, and night celebrations take place. However, this year the festival is occurring in a completely different atmosphere.
France is facing a powerful heatwave, which, according to meteorologists, is expected to be one of the most intense in recent years. By Sunday, temperatures in some regions may approach 40°C, and early next week, some areas are expected to reach 43–45°C. In Paris, temperatures are forecasted to be up to 39°C.
The situation is so serious that authorities have convened an interdepartmental crisis headquarters to coordinate actions among various ministries and services. Increased preparedness measures have been implemented across the country, and dozens of departments are under an orange level of meteorological danger.
Against the backdrop of extreme heat, several municipalities have already canceled events planned as part of the Music Festival. Concerts and mass events have been canceled, particularly in Brive-la-Gaillarde, Claye-Souilly, Nanterre, Le Teich, and several other cities. Local authorities explain their decisions as necessary to ensure the safety of artists, volunteers, service staff, and spectators.
In Paris, a citywide cancellation of the festival is not currently planned. Nevertheless, the capital’s authorities are considering additional safety measures. The Mayor of Paris stated that the combination of heat, large crowds, and alcohol consumption creates increased risks for health and public safety. Final decisions on additional restrictions may be made in the coming hours.
The Minister of the Interior also confirmed that there will be no nationwide cancellation of the Music Festival. Decisions will be made individually at the level of each city and prefecture depending on the weather conditions.
Particular attention is being paid to children and educational institutions. The Paris City Hall announced the installation of about 1200 mobile air conditioners in kindergartens and primary schools as early as next week. Additionally, parks and green spaces in the capital will be open 24 hours a day so that residents can seek refuge from the heat in the coolest places in the city.
French authorities recommend that residents avoid sun exposure during the day whenever possible, drink water regularly, limit physical exertion, and closely monitor the condition of children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Meteorologists expect the peak of the heat to occur on Monday and Tuesday. Only in the second half of the week is a gradual decrease in temperature possible, although this scenario still requires confirmation.