Portugal registered a record-breaking temperature of 40.3 °C in Mora on Wednesday, marking the hottest May day in its history, as an intense heatwave grips Western Europe, prompting government responses and impacting public life. The new record surpasses the previous high of 40 °C set in May 2001.
Heatwave Grips Western Europe
The extreme heat is affecting multiple countries, with France, Italy, Germany, and Spain experiencing unusually high temperatures. In France, ministers convened to discuss preparedness for heat events, while Italy issued red heatwave alerts for several cities, including Rome, which reached 32 °C on Thursday.
The meteorological office in Portugal forecasts temperatures to exceed 35 °C in some areas on Friday before a gradual cooling begins. This heatwave is characterized by a ‘heat dome,’ a persistent area of high pressure trapping warm air.
Government Responses and Public Impact
In France, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu led a ministerial meeting focused on developing a readiness plan for extreme heat. Key concerns include combating forest fires and ensuring sufficient water supplies throughout the summer.
Despite soaring temperatures, national baccalaureate exams are proceeding. However, some schools have experienced internal temperatures exceeding 50 °C, leading to closures. One primary school in Souston remained shut on Friday after reaching 53 °C earlier in the week.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray stated that exam centers can utilize shaded rooms, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the examination schedule. This decision has drawn criticism from teacher unions, with reports of educators bringing their own fans and struggling with ventilation.
A survey by France’s secondary school union revealed that nearly 78% of respondents recorded temperatures above 30 °C, with some teachers resorting to prying windows open to improve airflow.
Health Alerts and Sporting Events Affected
Seventeen departments in France, including Paris, are under an orange alert, urging citizens to be highly vigilant. Paris is expected to reach 34 °C over the weekend, prompting traffic mitigation measures such as restrictions on lower-emission vehicles and reduced speed limits, alongside a single public transport fare.
The heatwave has impacted sporting events, notably at the French Open in Paris. Tennis world number one Jannik Sinner withdrew from his match, citing dizziness and lethargy, though he downplayed the direct impact of the heat on his performance.
Italy has issued its first red heatwave alerts of the year for cities including Rome, Florence, Bologna, Brescia, and Turin. These alerts warn of potential negative health effects even on healthy individuals.
While Spain is not officially experiencing a heatwave by its definition, temperatures are expected to reach 35 °C in Madrid this weekend, levels typically seen in July and August. The national meteorological office notes the current heat is unusually intense for this time of year.
Climate Change Context
Scientists highlight that while individual weather events are complex, climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. Europe has been warming at a rate of 0.56 °C per decade over the past 30 years, according to the Copernicus climate service, significantly exacerbating heat extremes.
The United Nations has warned that global average temperatures are likely to remain at or near record levels for the next four years. The last decade has seen the 11 hottest years on record, and the UN’s weather agency anticipates this trend will continue, with a new hottest year probable before 2031.
Looking Ahead
As Western Europe braces for continued high temperatures into the weekend, attention will remain on the effectiveness of government preparedness plans, the well-being of citizens, and the ongoing impact on critical events and infrastructure. The persistent trend of warming temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events underscores the escalating challenges posed by climate change.
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