Paris heatwave forces Eiffel Tower closure as temperatures approach 40°C

France is grappling with an intense heatwave, with Paris recording its hottest night since 1947 and temperatures forecast to soar. The iconic Eiffel Tower was forced to close its doors to the public early at 4 p.m. on June 24th due to the extreme heat, a measure taken to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.

Meteorologists predict that Paris could reach 40 degrees Celsius by 6 p.m., with nighttime temperatures remaining high between 27 and 33 degrees. Météo France, the national weather service, warned that daytime highs throughout the week are expected to break historical records for June. Forecasters described the current conditions as potentially ranking among the hottest days ever recorded in France for this month.

The severity of the current heatwave is drawing comparisons to the devastating heatwave of August 2003, which led to approximately 15,000 heat-related deaths across France. The extreme temperatures pose risks not only to public health but also to infrastructure. Rail services, including the RER and Transilien lines in the Greater Paris region, have experienced partial cancellations and speed reductions as a safety precaution due to the potential impact on tracks.

Several major French cities have already reported record-breaking temperatures. Angers recorded 40.9 degrees Celsius, while Saintes reached 42 degrees and Bordeaux registered 41.9 degrees. Paris itself is experiencing the "urban heat island" effect, with nighttime temperatures hovering around 30 degrees. The situation has led to tragic incidents, with the government reporting 40 drowning deaths nationwide since June 18th, many among young people. National average minimum temperatures recorded by 30 reference stations have also set a new record.