Paris, the host city of the Olympic Games, is facing a major storm threat on Tuesday, according to France’s meteorological agency, Météo-France. The agency has issued an “orange alert,” the third of four levels, for the capital, anticipating strong thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, and lightning from 6:00 pm (1600 GMT). The storm is expected to bring “intense precipitation (around 20mm to 40mm in less than an hour),” with localized impact lasting until midnight.
This weather warning comes as Paris swelters under a heatwave, with temperatures forecast to reach 36 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Earlier, Météo-France had issued a “yellow alert” for the city due to the heatwave, which has also affected other Olympic venues across France. The scorching temperatures will particularly impact Olympians competing in outdoor events like beach volleyball at the Eiffel Tower and the women’s rugby semi-finals at the Stade de France.
The weather agency predicts temperatures could reach 38C in the southwestern city on Tuesday before cooling down. Similar high temperatures are forecast for Lyon, where Ukraine’s footballers will face Argentina on Tuesday.
Other cities in France hosting Olympic events have also been affected by the heatwave, with temperatures in some central and southern parts reaching 40C in recent days.
Meanwhile, Indian shooters Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh made history at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday. The duo defeated South Korea 16-10 to secure the bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, marking India’s second medal at the Games. Bhaker’s achievement makes her the first Indian post-independence to win two medals in a single edition of the Games.
