Parisians crowd discount stores for air conditioners ahead of third heatwave

Police were dispatched to several supermarkets in the Paris region on Thursday after large crowds gathered at discount stores in a bid to secure affordable air‑cooling units. The rush came as the city braces for a third heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to climb above 35 °C this weekend.

The influx of shoppers, many of whom are struggling to afford personal cooling appliances, led to brief congestion and minor scuffles in the aisles of popular discount chains. Authorities urged calm and directed customers to follow safety protocols, while store managers were advised to manage the flow of people and ensure adequate staffing. The police presence aimed to prevent disorder and maintain orderly access to essential goods.

As the heatwave approaches, city officials have called on residents to stay hydrated and seek public cooling centers if needed. The police response underscores the growing pressure on retailers to meet the demand for climate‑control solutions amid rising temperatures across the French capital.