Thirteen people drowned over the weekend as soaring temperatures drove crowds to beaches, rivers, and lakes

At least five people died in France on Sunday and Monday as temperatures topped 42C (107.6F) in parts of the country in the midst of a severe heatwave gripping much of Europe.

Among the victims were two children, aged two and four, who were found dead in their family car in the southern town of Carpentras on Monday. Prosecutors said heat exposure was the suspected cause of death.

A day earlier, three elderly people were found dead in their homes in the suburbs of Bordeaux, local prefect Sophie Brocas told France 3. Emergency responders reportedly linked the deaths to the extreme heat.

At least 13 more people drowned over the weekend as crowds flocked to beaches, rivers, lakes, and swimming pools in search of relief from the scorching temperatures.

Authorities have issued red heatwave alerts - the highest level - across more than half of France, while dozens of trains have been canceled and thousands of school classes have been postponed or relocated because of the extreme weather.

In the UK, the national weather service has warned of "extreme heat," with temperatures potentially reaching 39C later this week.

Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Spain have also issued orange and red weather alerts, warning of dangerous conditions.

The heat is proving especially hazardous in the parts of Europe that are ill-equipped for such temperatures, as many homes and commercial buildings are designed to retain warmth and often lack air conditioning.

Some forecasters have warned that the current bout of hot weather could rival the deadly 2003 heatwave, which caused tens of thousands of excess deaths across Europe, according to official data.

(RT.com)