Paris Olympics Faces Extreme Heat

Paris Olympics Faces Extreme Heat

The upcoming Summer Olympics and Paralympic games in Paris are at risk of being affected by extreme heat. Parts of Europe have already recorded temperatures exceeding 40°C, raising concerns about the impact on events, competitors, and spectators.

Lord Coe, President of World Athletics, emphasized that climate change poses an existential threat to sport. With temperatures expected to be warmer than average, according to Meteo France, the risk of heatwaves during the Olympics is significant.

Paris has experienced deadly summer heatwaves before. The highest recorded temperature in the city was 42.6°C in July 2019. During the 2022 Olympic period, a prolonged heatwave saw temperatures reach 36°C, causing numerous heat-related deaths.

The Tokyo Olympics in 2021 also faced extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 34°C and 70% humidity. This made conditions challenging for athletes, with some collapsing from heat stress.

Since 1924, maximum temperatures in Paris during July and August have increased by 2.2°C on average. The urban heat island effect exacerbates this, keeping night-time temperatures high and affecting athletes' recovery.

Great Britain rower Imogen Grant highlighted that extreme heat hampers recovery due to difficulty sleeping and a suppressed appetite, which are crucial for training and performance.

To mitigate the effects of heat, the report recommends scheduling outdoor events during cooler parts of the day, providing sufficient breaks, and monitoring temperatures closely. Events like the triathlon may be postponed if the heat index exceeds 32.2°C, and the swim leg canceled if water temperatures surpass 33°C.

Spectators are advised to stay hydrated, find shade, and use fans to stay cool. With the potential for extreme heat, planning and precautionary measures are vital to ensure safety during the games.