Due to the so-called "Omega heat dome" affecting much of Europe, over 3,000 excess deaths have been reported in France and Spain from last month's heat wave.
With record-breaking temperatures expected to continue this month, organizers of the Tour de France, the world's largest cycling event with a history spanning over 120 years, are considering shortening some stages for the first time due to the heat.
On July 3, Yonhap News reported, citing Reuters and The Guardian, that both France and Spain are experiencing significant casualties due to the ongoing heat wave, prompting emergency responses from authorities.
As the 2026 Tour de France is set to begin in Barcelona on July 4, organizers are deliberating on how to manage the race amid extreme heat.
A spokesperson for the organizers stated to The Guardian, "This is a very important consideration. While this is not the first time we have faced such a situation, this year has been particularly severe, with many challenges since May and June."
Since its inception in 1903, the Tour de France has faced disruptions due to wars, strikes, and epidemics, but it is reportedly the first time that changes to race routes are being considered due to extreme heat, according to The Guardian.
The human toll from the heat wave is rising rapidly. In France, preliminary figures indicate that there were 2,025 excess deaths last month due to the record temperatures.
French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist stated in a local media interview, "These figures are preliminary and may increase further." She noted that the increase in deaths is particularly pronounced among those aged 45 and older.
The situation is similarly dire in Spain. According to The Guardian, Spanish authorities reported 1,029 excess deaths attributed to the heat wave last month.
Combining these figures, Yonhap News estimates that excess deaths from the heat wave in France and Spain alone exceeded 3,000 last month.
Excess deaths refer to the number of actual deaths during a specific period that exceed the expected number based on historical averages, often used to analyze the impacts of heat waves, infectious diseases, and natural disasters.
The Omega heat dome enveloping Europe is expected to persist through July. Spanish meteorological authorities predict that hot, dry air will push daytime temperatures in some southeastern regions to as high as 44 degrees Celsius (111.2 degrees Fahrenheit).
This year's Tour de France is set to start in Barcelona, marking the first time the race begins in Spain, and will continue through Spain and France until the end of July. However, if the extreme heat continues, adjustments to the race schedule and routes may be necessary.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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