The same heatwave also affected the rest of Europe, and France was one of the worst-hit countries. For 70 days scorching temperatures terrorised Paris and its inhabitants, with 15 days in a row exceeding the 30°C (86°F) mark. The situation was no better in other parts of the country, with Lyon and Bordeaux sweltering in 40°C (104°F). As a result, over 41,000 excess deaths were recorded, mostly of the elderly and young children under the age of two.

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