Architects working on preserving Notre-Dame are rushing to cover the cathedral before rain can cause further damage.
Showers and even possible thunderstorms are forecast for the French capital on Tuesday evening.
The cathedral’s vault, which partly collapsed in the fire, is already partly waterlogged after fire-fighting efforts.
Architects fear that heavy rainfall could result in further collapse.
The chief architect of Notre-Dame , Philippe Villeneuve, told French broadcaster BFMTV that erecting an emergency tarpaulin was “the highest priority”.
“The beams are there, the tarpaulin is arriving. The climbers, since it will be climbers who will do that, and the scaffolders, are ready,” he said.
There are already plans to erect a large, purpose-built “umbrella” on the roof of the landmark, which will have its own peak and protect the structure while reconstruction takes place.
But the umbrella is not ready – and the threat of impending rain is too serious to wait, with even heavier rain forecast for Thursday.
There were fears the 800-year-old cathedral could be completely destroyed during the fierce blaze on 15 April. Firefighters managed to save the structure and much of its interior – but emergency work has been taking place since to stabilise the building.
Three large holes in the cathedral’s vault – its arched ceiling – are the most obvious signs of damage. One was made by the collapse of the cathedral’s spire.
But its famous rosette stained-glass windows have been covered with protective material and reinforced with timber posts.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to rebuild the symbol of Paris within five years – in time for the Olympics in the city scheduled for 2024.
The cost is likely to be enormous, with hundreds of millions already pledged by individuals and businesses both in France and from around the world.
