Europa Posted on 2026-05-30 10:04:00

''Europe is boiling'', Portugal records 40.3°C/ Heat wave is ''invading'' the continent

From Alida Lula

''Europe is boiling'', Portugal records 40.3°C/ Heat

Portugal set a new record with a temperature of 40.3 degrees in May, breaking the previous record of 40°C set in May 2001. The heatwave has engulfed much of Western Europe, causing problems from France to Italy.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Le Corneille chaired a meeting of ministers to discuss the country's preparation for extreme heat. Topics included plans to fight forest fires and ensure sufficient water supplies during the summer.

In Paris, where temperatures are expected to reach 34°C, authorities have announced traffic restrictions from this weekend. Only low-emission cars will be allowed on the roads, speed limits will be lowered and a single ticket will be offered for public transport. An orange alert, which calls for “great caution”, is in force for 17 departments in the north-west of the country, including Paris.

Italian authorities have issued a red alert, the first of its kind this year, for several cities, including Rome, Florence, Bologna, Brescia and Turin. The warning indicates “possible negative health consequences even for healthy and active people.” In Rome, temperatures could reach 32°C on Thursday.

Spain is also expected to experience high temperatures, with Madrid expected to reach 35°C over the weekend. Although this period is not officially considered a heatwave in Spain, the national meteorological service says such heat is typical for July and August.

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