Europe Grapples with Unprecedented Heat as Portugal Shatters May Temperature Record

A scorching heatwave sweeping across Western Europe has seen Portugal establish a new national record for the highest May temperature, reaching 40.3C. This milestone, recorded on Wednesday in the central town of Mora, surpasses the previous national high of 40C, which was set in May 2001. The extreme weather event is impacting nations across the continent, prompting emergency meetings and health warnings.

In France, government officials convened on Thursday to evaluate the country’s readiness for extreme heat. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu led a ministerial session focused on developing a comprehensive preparedness plan for heat-related emergencies. The strategy aims to mitigate risks such as forest fires and to secure sufficient water resources throughout the summer months.

Despite the intense conditions, French Baccalaureate examinations—the equivalent of A-levels—are proceeding as scheduled. However, the heat has forced some schools to close. In Souston, located in the Landes region, a primary school remained shut on Friday after internal temperatures soared to 53C earlier in the week, according to local reports. Education Minister Édouard Geffray addressed the situation on BFMTV, stating that exam centers would be permitted to utilize the shadiest available rooms. He emphasized that tests would continue, noting that students are prepared and that the schedule requires results to be issued as planned.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from teaching unions. One educator told French radio that staff members are being "forced to bring in their own fans." Data from France’s secondary school union indicates that nearly 78% of schools recorded temperatures exceeding 30C this week, with some teachers resorting to using screwdrivers to force windows open for ventilation.

Seventeen departments in northwestern France, along with Paris, are currently under an orange alert, urging the public to exercise "very vigilance." Paris saw temperatures hit 33C on Thursday, with forecasts predicting highs of 34C on Saturday and Sunday. To manage the sweltering conditions, police have implemented traffic restrictions in the capital until Saturday, including bans on high-emission vehicles and reduced speed limits. Additionally, a unified fare will be introduced for the entire public transport network to encourage its use.

The heatwave has also affected major sporting events. At the French Open in Paris, world number one Jannik Sinner withdrew from his match after appearing to lead comfortably. The Italian player reported experiencing dizziness and lethargy, describing the situation as a "tough spot." Following his exit, Sinner clarified, "Really it was nothing against the heat, nothing against the weather. It was just me today, but it happens."

Italy has also issued severe warnings, with a red heatwave alert in effect for Rome, Florence, Bologna, Brescia, and Turin. This marks the first red alert of the year in the capital, where temperatures peaked at 32C on Thursday. The alert warns of "possible negative effects on the health of healthy, active people." Meanwhile, Madrid is expected to reach 35C over the weekend. Although Spain’s meteorological office notes that the current conditions do not officially constitute a heatwave, they resemble typical July and August temperatures.

Beyond Western Europe, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland are experiencing unusually high temperatures. In Portugal, the meteorological office predicts that parts of the country will see temperatures exceed 35C on Friday before the heat begins to subside.

Meteorologists attribute the current spell to a "heat dome"—a stationary area of high pressure that traps warm air beneath it. While isolating specific weather events to climate change is complex, scientists agree that global warming increases both the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. According to the Copernicus climate service, Europe has warmed by 0.56C per decade over the last 30 years, a trend that significantly amplifies heat extremes. The UN issued a warning on Thursday that global average temperatures are likely to remain at or near record levels this year and into the future.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-28 23:36:01 UTC