Tour de France shortens stage as France faces red heat alert and wildfires

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6 days · 3 summary articles
Tour de France shortens stage as France faces red heat alert and wildfires
EU sends water-bombing aircraft as wildfires force Tour de France stage without spectators
Tour de France third stage held behind closed doors as wildfires scorch Pyrénées-Orientales
Continuation
The ninth stage of the Tour de France has been shortened by 30 kilometers due to an extreme heatwave sweeping through France, with temperatures expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius in some regions. The decision to shorten the stage from 185.5 kilometers to 155.5 kilometers was made because the Corrèze department, through which the stage passes, was placed under a red heat alert. The start of the stage in Malemort is expected to see temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius, with the finish in Ussel expecting around 35 degrees Celsius.
The heatwave is not only affecting the Tour de France but also daily life in France. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Musée d'Orsay in Paris are among the landmarks that will close early over the weekend due to the extreme heat. The Eiffel Tower, which usually stays open past midnight during the high season, will close at 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
The heatwave is also causing concerns about natural fires. In the south of France, thousands of hectares have already been consumed by wildfires, leading to the evacuation of more than 10,000 people. Travelers heading to popular vacation destinations in France, Spain, and Italy are advised to be cautious and prepare for extreme weather conditions.
The French government has activated its Extreme Heat ORSEC plan for the first time, opening cooling centers and mobilizing resources for vulnerable populations. This comes as France experiences its third heatwave since May, with temperatures in Paris reaching close to 40 degrees Celsius in recent days.
The heatwave is also affecting events and daily routines. Many towns in France have canceled their Bastille Day fireworks displays due to the increased risk of fires and dry conditions. In Paris, the traditional firemen's balls have been canceled, and many cities have given up on their fireworks displays for Bastille Day.
The heatwave is not limited to France. Spain and Italy are also experiencing extreme temperatures and wildfires. In Spain, local roads have been closed around Almería due to fires, and in France, roads near Perpignan have been affected.
Travelers are advised to take precautions such as carrying enough food and water, checking their vehicles before traveling, and being aware of the direction of smoke in case of fires.
The heatwave is expected to continue, with temperatures in Paris forecasted to remain high for the next few days. The French government and local authorities are taking measures to mitigate the effects of the heatwave on the population and infrastructure.
This heatwave is part of a broader pattern of increasing temperatures and extreme weather events linked to climate change. Scientists and policymakers are calling for more comprehensive measures to address the root causes of climate change and to adapt to its impacts.
The heatwave is also highlighting the need for better urban planning to mitigate the effects of extreme heat. Cities with less vegetation tend to be hotter, and there are calls for more green spaces and trees to provide shade and cool the urban environment.
In conclusion, the heatwave in France is causing significant disruptions to daily life, tourism, and major events like the Tour de France. The government and local authorities are taking steps to protect the population and infrastructure, but the broader implications of climate change remain a pressing concern.
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