Lightning strikes Eiffel Tower during severe thunderstorm in Paris, France

On June 27, 2026, in Paris, France, @SylvainFrere shared a video capturing lightning striking the Eiffel Tower during a powerful thunderstorm. In the video, a bright lightning bolt hits the top of the landmark as dark storm clouds surround the city. According to reports, the thunderstorms swept across the Paris region after a record-breaking heatwave that pushed temperatures above 40°C (104°F). Strong winds accompanied the storms, with gusts at the summit of the Eiffel Tower reaching approximately 104.8 km/h (65 mph). Despite the dramatic lightning strike, the monument was not damaged. The Eiffel Tower is equipped with a lightning protection system that safely directs electrical currents into the ground, allowing it to withstand such strikes without sustaining structural damage.