France is facing an unprecedented heat wave before the summer, which this Sunday resulted in record temperatures for the month of May and the death of a race participant in Paris.
A dozen runners from another race, in Maisons-Alfort, on the outskirts of Paris, were hospitalized, according to firefighters.
The French climate agency reported that Paris yesterday recorded the first temperature above 30°C this year (31.9°C).
Participants in other sporting competitions were also affected, particularly in the Alpes-Maritimes. Two events were canceled as a precaution in Menton, on the border with Italy.
The Ministry of Sports called for caution and “maximum vigilance in sports practice” this evening. According to Météo-France, the “early and significant heat wave” is due to the presence of a high pressure zone that blocks hot air coming from North Africa. It should intensify tomorrow.
Thirteen departments in western France are under yellow alert, the first level, due to the heat wave.
