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Sunday’s Diamond League meeting in Paris will go ahead in an adapted format after local police requested the cancellation of all sporting events due to extreme heat.
Wednesday was the country’s hottest day on record, with an average national temperature of 30C, according to Meteo-France.
An emergency “red alert” system has been put in place in the French capital, with highs of 39C forecast for Paris on Saturday and 32C on Sunday.
On Friday, Paris police issued a statement “banning all sports competitions and events in Paris” and warning organizers that “if they refuse, the police will ban them by prefect decree”.
The Diamond League has now issued a statement saying the Paris police prefecture has agreed to go ahead with the event with a consistent schedule, while “an exceptional measure is put in place to mitigate the effects of extreme heat”.
Sunday’s meeting at the Stade Charleti will feature only competitions involving professional athletes All activities of athletics clubs and licensed members as well as regional competitions have been cancelled.
Arrangements for Diamond League meetings include:
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The opening of the stadium gates to the public is being delayed until 16:15 CEST
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Adjusting the competition schedule so that all events take place from 16:55-19:41
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Strengthening medical and emergency response services
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Provide additional drinking water stations, misting stations, and shaded areas
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More public information and implementation of heat prevention measures
The Diamond League’s statement added: “Since the start of this extreme weather event, the French Athletics Federation has been closely monitoring the situation in constant coordination with the public authorities.
“The safety of athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, spectators and all personnel involved is our highest priority.”
Matthew Hudson-Smith (400m), Jeremiah Azu (100m), Ben Pattison (800m) and Jake Wittman (1500m) are among the British male athletes set to compete, while Georgia Hunter Bell and Katie Snowden will compete in the women’s 1500m.
Other events scheduled to take place in Paris this weekend include Saturday’s Top 14 rugby final between Toulouse and Montpellier (21:05 CEST).
No alcohol sales will be allowed in or around the Stade de France while the Under-17 final, scheduled for 17:30, has been cancelled.
The Diamond League event will be telecast live on Sunday on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and the BBC website and app (from 17:00 BST).
