Europe sizzles at 40°C: Eiffel Tower closed, animals cooled with ice, and wildfires rage

Europe was gripped by its first major heat wave of the summer on Tuesday, July 1, as high temperatures scorched multiple countries, triggering health alerts, power disruptions, and landmark closures.

Barcelona saw its hottest June in over a century, while Paris shut down the summit of the Eiffel Tower for safety. The heat, more typical of late July or August, is putting millions at risk of heat stress, experts warned, with climate data pointing to intensifying patterns linked to global warming.

France forced to shut schools

In Paris, temperatures were expected to hit 40 degrees Celsius (104°F). The summit of the Eiffel Tower was closed until Thursday for “everyone’s comfort and safety.” Visitors without tickets were advised to postpone their trips.

France’s national weather agency, Meteo-France, placed several departments under the highest red alert. Due to the heat, over 1,300 schools were partially or fully closed.

Spain records hottest June in over a century

Barcelona’s Fabra Observatory reported an average temperature of 26°C (78.8°F) in June, the highest since records began in 1914. On Monday, the city recorded a high of 37.9°C (100.2°F).

Spain’s national average for June reached 23.6°C (74.5°F), breaking the previous record set in 2017. Madrid was forecast to reach 39°C (102°F).

Ramon Pascual of Spain’s weather service linked the extreme temperatures to global warming. He said rising Mediterranean sea temperatures limit the sea’s natural cooling effect. Temperatures near the Balearic Islands were 5 to 6 degrees higher than average.

Italy suffers from blackouts and heat fatalities

In Florence, temperatures climbed to 38°C (100°F). A blackout hit parts of the city after a surge in electricity demand. Power was later restored using backup systems, according to energy company Enel.

Near Bologna, a 46-year-old construction company owner collapsed and died while repaving a school parking lot. Authorities suspect heat as the cause of death; an autopsy is underway.

Italy’s health ministry reported that 17 of 27 major cities were under heat wave conditions.

According to the weather service, the town of Mora in Portugal recorded a national June temperature record of 46.6°C (115.9°F) on June 29.

Wildfires continued in Turkey for a third day, forcing around 50,000 residents to evacuate.

Parts of the Czech Republic were expected to reach 37°C (98.6°F) by Wednesday. At the Prague Zoo, polar bears received extra care as zookeepers distributed up to 10 metric tons of ice.

In the Netherlands, firefighters prepared for a community water gun fight in Soest by bringing in a fire hose. “Bring your water pistol and swimming clothes with you, because you’re guaranteed to get soaked!” they posted on social media.

Climate experts warn that summers will continue to get hotter. Temperatures above 40°C could become the norm by the year 2100.