Paris Olympics prepares for hot weather after a rainy beginning

The 2024 Olympics in Paris are confronting a challenging situation as a heat wave grips most of France. Temperatures in Paris and surrounding regions are expected to soar to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher on Tuesday, according to the national weather agency. Unlike countries like the United States where air conditioning is common, it is less prevalent in French homes, shops, and restaurants.

In southern France, particularly around Marseille where Olympic events like soccer and sailing are taking place, temperatures are even hotter. Some areas in the south experienced temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday and were expected to see similar heat on Tuesday.

The rise in global temperatures, attributed to climate change, has caused extreme weather to become more frequent and severe. To minimize the event’s carbon footprint, Paris 2024 organizers have implemented measures such as using an underfloor cooling system and insulation instead of air conditioning at the Olympic village. Some countries, like the United States, have brought their own cooling systems.

Government officials and Olympic organizers are bracing for a hot and sunny day following a rainy start to the Games. Thunderstorms are also predicted to move into the Paris area in the evening. Precautions are being taken, including setting up misters at venues like La Concorde urban park and distributing millions of containers of water at transportation hubs.

Equestrian teams have systems in place to keep their horses cool between competitions, with methods like spraying them with cooling water and providing shade. Despite the heat, many athletes remain unfazed. German rider Julia Krajewski, the defending Olympic champion in individual eventing, expressed more concern for spectators than competitors. Others, like U.S. tennis player Coco Gauff, said the warm weather was manageable.

Hydration is crucial for athletes and spectators alike, especially with the heatwave expected to continue. France’s national weather agency warns that heat waves are becoming more intense and frequent due to climate change, emphasizing the importance of staying cool and hydrated during extreme weather conditions.