France and the rest of Europe continue to be gripped by the first heat wave of the summer and high temperature warnings were issued today, although conditions are starting to improve in some parts of the region, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius in Paris and will also be unusually high in Belgium and the Netherlands. However, temperatures are falling in Portugal and no heat warnings were issued there.
The national weather agency „Meteo-France“ issued the highest level of alert for several departments in the country, warning that Paris would be particularly hard hit.
The heat wave is expected to intensify today and more than 1,300 schools will be partially or completely closed, the education ministry said.
Visitors to the Eiffel Tower who have not yet bought tickets have been advised to postpone their visit and the top parts of the landmark are closed until Thursday.
Further south, 17 of Italy's 27 major cities are affected by the heat wave, the country's health ministry said.
The Portuguese capital Lisbon is forecast to reach temperatures of 33 degrees Celsius, which is normal for this time of year. The national meteorological agency warned, however, that in some areas inland temperatures could reach 43 degrees Celsius.
On June 29, two places in Portugal recorded their highest temperature for the month of June.
„Meteo-France“ also warned of an increased risk of forest fires due to dry soil, with the crisis here being exacerbated by insufficient rainfall in June and a recent rise in temperatures.
Climate experts warn that future summers are likely to be hotter than any recorded so far. By 2100, France is expected to be up to 4 degrees Celsius warmer, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius every year, and extreme temperature peaks potentially reaching 50 degrees Celsius. According to „Meteo-France“ the country is likely to experience a tenfold increase in the number of heat waves by 2100.