Tourists in Europe face brutal temperatures under 'heat dome'
French officials are asking people to be cautious and avoid swimming in dangerous areas.
Julia GomezEurope is facing a brutal heatwave which is causing delays at popular tourist destinations and has officials warning people to take extra precautions to stay safe.
The extreme heat has led to at least 40 deaths from drowning as people tried seeking relief in cooler waters, Reuters reported. Five more weather-related deaths have been reported, including two children, aged 2 and 4, left in a hot vehicle and three elderly people, aged between 80 and 85, who suffered health complications from the heat.
On Monday, June 22, multiple temperature records were broken across several European cities, according to Reuters. In Bordeaux, France's wine country in the west, temperatures reached a record-breaking 107.4 degrees Fahrenheit, while in Central France, Poitiers reached 106.1 degrees Fahrenheit, smashing the previous record set nearly 80 years ago in 1947.
Britain, Italy and Spain have also faced sweltering weather as temperatures broke records across the regions.
Tourists' plans might also be impacted by the severe heat, which is known as the Omega block, reported Reuters.
The "heat dome" has even led to the Eiffel Tower in Paris closing early, according to the iconic landmark's website and signs posted around it, which was spotted by USA TODAY.
"Due to the high temperatures forecast, the Eiffel Tower will be adjusting its operations," the website stated on June 23. "Visitors without tickets are asked to postpone their visit. We apologize for the inconvenience. Remember to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated. Water fountains are available in the walkways leading to the plaza."
Here's what to know.
What is a heat dome?
The heatwave in Europe is coming from a heat dome, which is "an exceptionally hot air mass that develops when high pressure aloft prevents warm air below from rising, thus trapping the warm air as if it were in a dome," according to the National Integrated Heat Health Information System.
The heat in Europe is being caused by a heatwave known as the Omega block, according to Reuters. It's named that because of the shape, as a bulge of hot air and cooler air on either side, which is similar to the shape of the Greek letter. The shape of the heatwave allows the temperature to build each day.
But heatwaves are also intensified by climate change.
"As average temperatures rise due to climate change, the risk of extreme temperatures, heatwaves, and record-breaking temperatures increases," according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, Europe is also more likely to experience prolonged heat episodes, as it is warming at more than twice the global average.
People swim in canals, rivers to beat the heat
People across France have been seeking respite from the heat by jumping into canals and rivers, but Europeans and tourists are being warned against swimming in potentially dangerous areas.
"Swim only in places that are supervised," French Civil Safety service spokesperson Jerome Boulanger said.
French sports minister Marina Ferrari warned against swimming in unauthorized or potentially dangerous areas.
In Paris, portions of the famous Canal Saint-Martin, located less than a mile east of the Eiffel Tower, were opened for swimming, according to AccuWeather.
Other tourist attractions closed due to the heat
While the Eiffel Tower in Paris was closed early, other European attractions may shut down.
In 2025 and 2024, the Acropolis, an ancient Greek citadel in Athens, Greece, was closed from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. local time due to extreme heat, according to the Associated Press and the Independent.
Other Parisian landmarks, like the Louvre Museum and Paris Catacombs, remain open.
How to stay safe during extreme heat
People facing extreme heat should do the following, according to the National Weather Service:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Stay in an air-conditioned room
- Stay out of the sun
- Check up on relatives and neighbors
- Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles
- Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing outdoors
- Limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening
Contributing: Melina Khan, USA TODAY; Reuters
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers space phenomena, scientific studies and natural disasters. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected].