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Heatwave Grips Paris and Europe: Safety Measures in Place
PARIS: On Tuesday, Paris was placed under red alert due to soaring temperatures, leading to the closure of the Eiffel Tower’s summit, a ban on highly polluting vehicles, and speed limits on certain roads, all in response to a punishing heatwave affecting much of Europe.
From the Iberian Peninsula to Italy and the Balkans, Mediterranean nations have been experiencing extreme heat for several days, prompting health advisories and warnings about elevated wildfire risks. Experts indicate that climate change, largely driven by human activity, is intensifying the frequency and severity of these heat events.
According to Meteo France, temperatures were expected to peak on Tuesday, with the highest heat alerts in place across 16 departments. An additional 68 areas were under a secondary alert level. The agency forecasted minimum temperatures between 68-75 degrees Fahrenheit and maximums soaring from 97 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, with isolated peaks possibly reaching 106 degrees.
In response to the heat, the operators of the Eiffel Tower decided to close the top section of the landmark, which towers at 1,083 feet, starting Monday at 11:00 AM GMT and continuing through Wednesday. While the first and second levels remain accessible, officials advised visitors to take precautions against sun exposure and to stay hydrated; water fountains are available on the paths leading to the esplanade.
Moreover, in the Ile-de-France region, which encompasses Paris, police announced a ban on all but the least polluting vehicles from 3:30 AM to 10:00 PM due to high levels of ground-level ozone. Speed limits of 12.5 miles per hour will also be enforced in some areas.
Across the nation, the government indicated that nearly 1,350 schools might be partially or entirely closed—almost double the number from Monday—amid concerns from teachers regarding overheated and poorly ventilated classrooms which can affect student well-being. Vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health issues, have been warned to take extra care during the heatwave.
"Heatwaves can be lethal," cautioned Akshay Deoras, a research scientist from the National Centre for Atmospheric Science and the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading. "Extreme heat should be treated with the same urgency we apply to dangerous storms."
Cloud Phenomenon in Portugal
Portugal experienced a slight reprieve on Tuesday after two days of red alerts across multiple regions, including Lisbon, but orange alerts remained active in all but eight inland areas. Despite this, temperatures in the central city of Castelo Branco, Beja, and Evora could still reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit, with the capital expected to reach around 93 degrees Fahrenheit.
The national meteorological agency, IPMA, reported an unusual "roll cloud" event, which made its way from the horizon toward northern and central coastal areas on Monday, accompanied by powerful gusts of wind. Swimmers described the atmospheric change as eerie, likening the sudden shift to a tsunami.
Spain is bracing for similar hot temperatures, with forecasts predicting highs in the upper 90s to mid-100s Fahrenheit after recording a staggering 115 degrees in the south—setting a record for June in the country.
In Italy, red alerts have been issued for 18 cities, including Rome and Milan, as the heatwave spreads. The country also faced flash flooding in the northern region of Piedmont due to heavy rains, resulting in one fatality.
The Mediterranean Sea recorded an exceptionally high temperature of 78.1 degrees Fahrenheit this past Sunday, according to scientist Thibault Guinaldo from French weather services.
The risk of wildfires remains elevated in various Portuguese regions. As of Monday evening, around 250 firefighters battled blazes in Aljustrel. In Turkey, over 50,000 residents were evacuated due to ongoing wildfires, primarily in the Izmir province, which was fueled by winds reaching 75 miles per hour. Greece is also struggling with wildfire outbreaks.
As these extreme weather conditions continue to unfold, the safety and well-being of the public remain the top priority across affected regions.
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