The iconic Eiffel Tower closed for the first time due to heat wave, when will it reopen?

Much of Europe is being baked by an especially aggressive heat wave, with several ‘highest-ever’ records being broken across parts of the continent.

Mediterranean unusually hot in June

The hottest June ever was recorded in Spain, a country used to the heat. Certain parts of the Iberian peninsula, Portugal included, surpassed 46ºC / 114.8ºF, also national records for the month.

Additionally, water temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea are up to an incredible nine degrees above average for this time of year.

Slightly further north, France has also been hit hard by the early summer heat wave. On Tuesday (July 1), there were red warnings - the highest designation - in place for 16 of its 101 departments (administrative divisions), one of which was Île-de-France, which includes Paris.

Eiffel Tower announces closure

As a result of the searing heat in the region, the Eiffel Tower announced on the evening of Monday, June 30 it would be closing due to high temperatures for the first time in its history.

“Due to the heatwave, and to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety, the summit will be closed through July 2. To all my visitors, please protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated,” read a post on the landmark’s official social media accounts.

The tower is expected to be open to the public again on Thursday, July 3, when temperatures are due to drop from 33ºC / 91.4ºF to 27ºC / 80.6ºF.

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