The Eiffel Tower was struck by lightning as thunderstorms swept across Paris, following a prolonged heatwave that has gripped France and other parts of Europe. Photographer Bertrand Kulik captured images of lightning hitting the iconic landmark from his home in the French capital.
The storms in Paris produced winds reaching up to 93 mph and numerous lightning strikes. These events occurred after a days-long heatwave, which French officials stated resulted in approximately 1,000 more deaths than typically recorded during the period. The majority of these excess fatalities were among individuals aged 65 and older, with a 40 percent increase in home deaths noted.
Across Europe, high temperatures are persisting. Forecasts indicated that at least 191 million people would experience temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher on Sunday, with Germany, Hungary, and Poland seeing particularly intense heat. A total of 381 million people across Europe, excluding Turkey, were projected to face temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).
In the United Kingdom, an amber warning for extreme heat was extended, though the record-breaking hot spell was nearing its end. Heat records had been broken for three consecutive days, with a provisional peak of 37.3 degrees Celsius (99.1 degrees Fahrenheit) recorded in Santon Downham, Suffolk. The heat and humidity led to the development of thunderstorms, triggering a yellow thunderstorm warning for central and eastern England, warning of frequent lightning, large hail, gusty winds, and heavy downpours. These storms disrupted flights at Gatwick and Heathrow airports, causing 484 inbound and outbound flights to be delayed. Kent Fire and Rescue Service responded to three house fires attributed to lightning strikes.
Scientists have linked the severity and frequency of such extreme heat events to human-driven climate change, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels. The recent heatwave in Europe broke the long-standing June heat record, set in 1976, by more than 1 degree Celsius. Health officials noted the strain on services due to a significant increase in life-threatening emergency calls. Several hospitals declared critical incidents, leading to the cancellation of planned operations and appointments. Hundreds of schools and nurseries closed, and a hosepipe ban was implemented in Kent due to surging demand. The heatwave was attributed to a 'heat-dome,' an area of high pressure that traps heat, exacerbated by climate change.