Portugal has recorded its hottest May day ever, according to reports, as a severe heatwave continues to grip large parts of Europe. The record comes amid soaring temperatures that have prompted red alerts in Italy and forced French students to sit exams in baking hot classrooms.
The heatwave, which has settled over the continent, is causing widespread disruption. In Portugal, the mercury climbed to unprecedented levels for May, with the previous record now shattered. French authorities have faced criticism as pupils endured sweltering conditions during national exams, with many schools lacking adequate cooling systems. Meanwhile, Italian officials have issued red alerts—the highest level of heat warning—as temperatures threaten vulnerable populations.
“Portugal has recorded its hottest May day ever as a heatwave grips Europe, with red alerts in Italy and French students taking exams in baking conditions. The UK is not yet affected but travelers are advised to take precautions.”
The extreme weather is part of a broader pattern of early-season heatwaves that scientists warn are becoming more frequent due to climate change. While the UK has not yet been directly affected, the hot spell is expected to shift northwards in the coming days, potentially bringing warmer weather to British shores.
For UK residents, the immediate impact is limited. However, British tourists traveling to Portugal, France, or Italy are advised to heed local warnings and take precautions against heat exhaustion. Officials in affected countries are urging people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun during peak hours, and check on elderly neighbours.
The heatwave also raises questions about the resilience of infrastructure, particularly in schools and hospitals, as seen in France. In the UK, the national education authority may need to review guidelines for extreme heat if similar conditions become more common.
Looking ahead, meteorologists are monitoring whether the heatwave will spread further. The Portuguese record and Italian red alerts serve as a stark reminder of the increasing intensity of summer weather events across Europe.