Europe Heatwave: British Tourists Alerted as Temperatures Soar Beyond 40°C – Travel And Tour World

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Introduction:

As Europe grapples with a severe heatwave, British tourists planning to visit France are being cautioned about scorching temperatures exceeding 40°C in several regions. This intense heatwave has particularly affected the southern half of France, prompting Météo-France to issue orange heatwave alerts for 26 additional departments as of midday Monday, adding to the 13 already under orange vigilance since midday Sunday.

Heatwave Impact on France:

The extreme heat is expected to extend to the northern parts of the country by Tuesday, impacting areas around Olympic venues in the Île-de-France region. According to Météo-France, regions south of Toulouse, the Gard and Hérault hinterlands, and inland Nouvelle-Aquitaine are likely to see temperatures surpassing 40°C during this first significant heatwave of the year. In the Toulouse area, temperatures are forecasted to range between 38-40°C, with some places potentially hitting 41°C.

Affected Regions:

Other areas in southern and southwestern France, such as Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Dordogne, and Charentes, are also expected to experience temperatures hitting 40°C. The Pyrenean foothills and Aveyron will see slightly lower temperatures, between 34-37°C, while southern France will see temperatures rising to 37-39°C, and locally up to 40°C.

Olympic Venues and Heat Measures:

In the Paris region, where most Olympic events are taking place, temperatures are anticipated to peak on Tuesday, reaching around 34-35°C. The Olympic Village, designed to house over 10,000 athletes without traditional air conditioning to minimize environmental impact, is equipped with geothermal cooling systems and fans, promising a temperature difference of -6°C compared to the outside. However, teams have already ordered nearly 2,500 air-conditioning units to ensure athletes can rest comfortably.

Safety Advice for Tourists:

British tourists planning to visit France during this heatwave are advised to take necessary precautions:

• Stay hydrated
• Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours
• Seek air-conditioned environments whenever possible
• Keep updated with local weather forecasts and advisories

Conclusion:

As this intense heatwave persists at least until Thursday, travelers are urged to stay safe and heed all advisories to enjoy their time in France despite the soaring temperatures.