**Eiffel Tower Shuts as Extreme Heatwave Grips Europe; Spain and Portugal Break Temperature Records**
Europe continues to experience unrelenting heat as the continent confronts its first significant heatwave of the summer, sparking widespread concern and disrupting daily life in several countries. As temperatures climb beyond 40°C, health advisories have been triggered across the region, with France imposing its maximum red alert for numerous areas, including the densely populated Paris region.
On the morning of July 1st, as the sun rose over the French capital, Paris awoke on high alert, bracing for searing conditions. The French national meteorological agency, Meteo-France, extended the highest level of warning to several departments, citing not only the opponents of the heat but also the acute risks it poses to health and safety. In a significant move, authorities announced the closure of more than 1,300 schools either in part or completely, prioritising the wellbeing of students and staff as classrooms became unsafe.
The iconic Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris and a frequent gathering point for tourists, has not been spared. While some ticket-holding tourists may proceed with their plans, those without reservations have been urged to postpone their visits. The landmark’s summit will remain closed to the public until Thursday, as officials seek to mitigate the potential dangers for staff and visitors during the extreme weather.
Elsewhere, southern Europe is grappling with record-breaking conditions of its own. Spain’s coastal city of Barcelona has logged its hottest June since meteorological records began over a century ago, underscoring the broad scope of this summer’s disruption. Seventeen of Italy’s major cities are experiencing similar heatwave conditions, according to health authorities, prompting increased vigilance and emergency planning.
Portugal, previously battling some of the most oppressive temperatures, is now seeing a slight reprieve near its coastlines. While the national capital, Lisbon, has cooled to a more typical 33°C for this time of year, inland regions could still see spikes upwards of 43°C, as forecasters have warned. Notably, record June temperatures were surpassed in two separate locations in Portugal on 29th June, further raising questions around the impact of changing climate patterns.
Meteorologists and climate scientists warn these trends may accelerate. Meteo-France has raised alarms about worsening drought conditions, pointing to critically dry soil across the country exacerbated by a lack of rainfall throughout June and the sudden temperature surge. The heightened risk of forest fires remains a serious concern, as authorities urge vigilance among residents and visitors alike.
Climate experts have urged the public and policymakers to recognise these heatwaves as harbingers of what Europe’s future summers could look like. Projections suggest that by the end of the century, France in particular might be experiencing heatwaves up to ten times more frequently, with annual temperatures exceeding 40°C and the possibility of spikes reaching a staggering 50°C.
From a broader perspective, these unparalleled temperatures have reignited debates over climate adaptation and the urgent need for infrastructure that can withstand more frequent and intense heat events. Many European nations are now being forced to reconsider their public health guidance, energy supplies, and urban planning standards to adapt to this emerging climate reality.
With the peak of summer still ahead, much of Europe waits anxiously to see if relief will arrive soon—or if these record-setting extremes will become the new normal in years to come. For now, the continent’s historic landmarks, local communities, and public officials remain on high alert, seeking ways to balance safety, tourism, and daily life beneath an ever-hotter summer sun.