France bakes in heatwave as temperatures soar past 40 degrees Celsius

France is sweltering through its second heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in some areas and 61 departments placed on high alert, as the government warned of prolonged hot conditions and potential economic impacts.

President Emmanuel Macron called for public vigilance as the extreme heat gripped much of the country. The central bank chief has cautioned that the prolonged heatwave could weigh on national economic growth due to the wider impact of disasters.

People across France have been doing whatever they can to cool down. In Paris, the areas around the Canal Saint Martin were packed as authorities opened parts of the waterway for swimming, offering residents a rare chance to escape the blistering heat.

"We came here to the river to get some swim. It's just so hot out there. It's terrible to sleep at night. But you just got to deal with it," said one resident.

"I think I'm just using the same techniques as everyone else. Keep your shutters down, your windows closed. There's lots of water points all over Paris so people are encouraged to use them. Go to work if you have AC or go to the gym. There's always places where they have AC. So just keeping close, staying in really,"another resident said.

Drones have been deployed to monitor waterways where swimming is not permitted, and water restrictions have been imposed in about 50 departments. The Ministry of Health has activated a heatwave hotline, schools have been closed, exams rescheduled, and some metro trains without air conditioning have been pulled from service.

Four nuclear power plants are expected to curb output in the coming days due to unusually warm river water used for cooling, authorities said.

The annual music celebration, the Fete de la Musique, scheduled for Sunday, has been cancelled in some areas as temperatures continue to climb. French authorities are urging people to take precautions now, fearing the worst of the heatwave is yet to come.

France bakes in heatwave as temperatures soar past 40 degrees Celsius

Foreign visitors in multiple Chinese cities immersed themselves in Zongzi-making and dragon boat racing, two traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival, gaining a hands-on experience of traditional Chinese culture while sharing the joy of the festival with the local people.

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, it fell on June 19.

In Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, many foreign visitors took part in local intangible cultural heritage workshops where they got to make Zongzi with their own hands.

"So many people gather together to celebrate this festival and eat together. It's really good," said a visitor from Pakistan.

In Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, international students rolled up their sleeves alongside residents, stuffing rice with fillings, folding bamboo leaves, and tying the bundles with string. They also crafted scented sachets, a traditional item associated with the festival.

"This is my first time making Zongzi. They're stuffed with beans and red dates. The whole process was so fun. Traditional Chinese culture holds deep significance," said a student from Russia.

"Zongzi smelled amazing, and the atmosphere was wonderful. Everyone here felt just like one big family," said a student from Morocco.

Beyond Zongzi-making, foreign visitors in Beijing also raced dragon boats.

"This is my first time seeing such an activity, being involved in some traditional experience. It's good to interact with a lot of people. Riding a boat is very fun as well," said a visitor from Brazil.

Foreigners in China experience Duanwu Festival customs