A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has triggered health alerts, broken temperature records and disrupted daily life, with Italy issuing red alerts while France and Portugal recorded their hottest May days on record.
Italy Issues First Red Heat Alert of the Year
Italian authorities placed Rome and four northern cities—Florence, Bologna, Brescia and Turin—under a red alert warning.
Officials cautioned that extreme temperatures could pose health risks even to healthy and active individuals, advising people to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
Portugal Records Hottest May Day Ever
Portugal registered its highest May temperature on record when the mercury reached 40.3°C in the town of Mora on Wednesday.
The reading surpassed the previous national May record of 40°C set in 2001. Meteorologists warned that the heatwave could continue into early June.
France Continues to Break Records
France also experienced exceptionally high temperatures, with the southwestern city of Angoulême reaching 37.8°C.
The country has repeatedly broken May temperature records during the week as a powerful “heat dome” trapped hot air across western Europe.
Heatwave Linked to Deaths and Rising Hospitalisations
Authorities in both Britain and France reported several fatalities, many of them linked to drowning incidents as people sought relief from the heat.
Portugal’s health ministry also reported a rise in heat-related hospital admissions during the ongoing heatwave.
School Forced to Close Amid Extreme Indoor Temperatures
A school in southwestern France was forced to suspend classes after temperatures inside its corridors reportedly climbed to 53°C.
Local officials said several students became ill, with at least one reportedly fainting and vomiting due to the extreme heat.
French Open Players Struggle in Scorching Conditions
The heat has also affected competitors at the French Open in Paris.
One player collapsed after completing a lengthy match, while Italian star Jannik Sinner complained of dehydration, dizziness and nausea during his surprise second-round defeat to Juan Manuel Cerúndolo.
Tournament staff have been regularly watering the clay courts to mitigate the impact of the extreme temperatures.
Spain Issues Further Heat Warnings
Spain’s national weather agency warned that temperatures in parts of the north and northeast could reach 37°C, describing conditions as unusually hot for late May and more typical of midsummer.
Forecasters expect temperatures to ease somewhat next week.
Climate Change Intensifying Extreme Weather
Scientists have consistently warned that human-driven climate change is increasing the frequency, duration and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts and floods.
The current European heatwave is the latest in a series of unusually early and intense temperature events affecting the continent.
Residents and Tourists Adapt to Extreme Conditions
Across Europe, residents and tourists have been adjusting their routines to cope with the heat by staying hydrated, seeking shade, using air-conditioned spaces and limiting outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.
