Severe Heat Wave Leaves Western Europe Sweltering, With Parks, Rivers and Early Closures

A severe heat wave has been gripping Western Europe for nearly a week, with temperatures climbing above 40 degrees Celsius and expected to last at least through the coming weekend. In Paris, where there is little preparation for extreme heat and air conditioning is uncommon, many residents spent the night in public parks, while others sought relief by jumping into rivers and fountains during the day.

The heat has also had deadly consequences. Reports cited in the article say about 40 people have drowned in France since last Thursday as millions look for ways to escape the extreme temperatures. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the victims were mostly young people, and the national weather service Meteo France issued a red alert for 54 departments, roughly half the country.

Major tourist sites and institutions have changed operations because of the weather. The Louvre said its historic structure can withstand some conditions but remains vulnerable and not sufficiently adapted to climate change; from Wednesday through Saturday it will close two hours earlier than usual. The Eiffel Tower has also adjusted its schedule and is closing in the afternoon instead of late at night. Hotels, schools, public transport and sports events have likewise been affected in a country where air conditioning is not widely used.

The heat wave is not limited to France. Italy, Spain and Britain have also been hit, while the UN climate agency says human-caused climate change is linked to increasingly extreme weather and that the next five years are likely to bring more heat records.