France expecting peak temperatures as heatwave hits Europe

PARIS, France, July 2 ------ Paris extended a red alert for high temperatures with the top of the Eiffel Tower shut, polluting traffic banned and speed restrictions in place as a searing heatwave grips Europe. Mediterranean countries from the Iberian peninsula through France and Italy to the Balkans and Greece have been sweltering for several days, prompting health warnings and wildfire alerts.

Scientists say human-induced climate change is making such heatwave events more intense, frequent and widespread. Temperatures in France were expected to hit a peak on Tuesday, according to the Meteo France weather agency, with some areas expected to soar beyond 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). "We have air-conditioning but it's not very powerful," said Raphael, 27, on the street in a Parisian suburb. "Today is going to be a struggle."

Paris was facing its first red alert in five years, with local officials empowered to limit or ban sporting events, festivals and school outings for children. Authorities said the alert would be extended into Wednesday. Operators of the Eiffel Tower shut the summit of the 330-metre (1,083-feet) high landmark at 1100 GMT on Monday and said it would remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday because of the heatwave. "Remember to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated. Water fountains are available in the walkways leading to the esplanade," they said.

All but the least polluting vehicles were banned from the Ile-de-France region, which includes Paris, between 0330 GMT to 2200 GMT because of high ozone pollution levels, police said. Speed limits of 20 kilometres per hour (12.5 miles per hour) would also remain in some places.

Across France, the government said it expected nearly 1,350 schools to be partially or completely shut -- nearly double the number on Monday -- with teachers complaining that overheated and unventilated classrooms were making students unwell. Warnings were issued for young children, older people and those with chronic illnesses."Heatwaves are deadly," said Akshay Deoras, a research scientist at the University of Reading, west of London. "We need to treat extreme heat with the same seriousness we give to dangerous storms."

Source: news.abs-cbn.com