Paris Landmarks Shutter Early as Quarter of France Swelters Under Heatwave

Paris's iconic landmarks are shuttering early as a sweltering heatwave grips France, placing a quarter of the country under the highest alert. The Eiffel Tower, usually open past midnight during peak season, will close at 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Louvre and Musee d'Orsay, two of the world's most visited museums, have also implemented early closures.

This is the third heatwave to hit France since May, with 22.2 million people in 24 departments facing the maximum alert level. Another 59 departments are on a lower, orange alert. The extreme temperatures arrive as many prepare for a holiday weekend and France's national Bastille Day on July 14.

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due to the high temperatures forecast

Across the nation, firework displays for Bastille Day have been canceled due to dry conditions and increased fire risks. Wildfires have already scorched twice as much land in France this year compared to the same period last year. President Emmanuel Macron urged caution, noting that human activity causes nine out of 10 fires.

The government faces criticism for being unprepared for the escalating extreme weather. Scientists link the increasing frequency of heatwaves to man-made climate change. The country recorded over 2,000 excess deaths during a June heatwave and 300 in late May, according to official figures. High temperatures are expected to persist until Bastille Day.

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A single second of inattention can put families at risk, endanger those who protect us and destroy our countryside