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Europe Swelters: Landmarks Shut as Heatwave Intensifies
11 Jul
Summary
- Paris landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, will close early this weekend due to extreme heat.
- France faces its third heatwave since May, with over 22 million under a red heat alert.
- Wildfires in Spain claimed at least 12 lives, while Italy faces critical drought conditions.
Iconic Parisian attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, will implement early closures this weekend as western Europe endures another severe heatwave. The Eiffel Tower is set to close at 4 pm on both Saturday and Sunday, with the Louvre following suit through Monday. The Musée d'Orsay will also close at 5 pm from Saturday to Wednesday.
France is experiencing its third heatwave since May, with 24 departments in the northwest under a red heat alert. Over 22 million people are affected, with temperatures anticipated to reach 38°C in many regions. Paris is extending heatwave measures, ensuring longer opening hours for parks and pools, providing drinking water stations, and offering additional support to vulnerable residents.
In Spain, firefighters are making progress against one of the country's deadliest wildfires this week, which ravaged the southeastern province of Almería, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and over 1,400 evacuations. Separately, Italy is facing critical drought conditions, severely impacting water reserves and agriculture, particularly along the Po River, the nation's longest waterway.
High temperatures are expected across much of the Iberian Peninsula, with forecasts predicting highs up to 38°C on Saturday afternoon. Authorities in Spain suspect a fallen power line may have caused the devastating wildfire.
