Arabic version: البرتغال تسجل رقماً قياسياً جديداً لأحر يوم في مايو

Portugal has set a new hottest day in May with 40.3°C recorded in the central town of Mora. This surpasses the previous record of 40°C set in May 2001. The sweltering heat has affected several countries in western Europe, prompting various responses from governments and institutions.

According to BBC News, France’s ministers convened to assess the nation’s preparedness for ongoing heatwaves. As temperatures soared, tennis number one Jannik Sinner withdrew from the French Open after suffering from the heat during his match.

In Italy, authorities issued a red heatwave alert for cities including Rome, where temperatures reached 32°C. The heatwave is expected to persist into the weekend, affecting Germany, Spain, and Switzerland as well.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu chaired a meeting to develop a readiness plan for extreme heat events, which includes measures to combat forest fires and ensure adequate water supplies. Baccalaureate exams will continue despite the heat, although some schools have closed due to extreme indoor temperatures.

In Paris, temperatures reached 33°C on Thursday, with expectations of rising to 34°C over the weekend. Police announced measures to ease traffic in the capital, including limiting road access to lower-emission vehicles. Meanwhile, the ongoing heatwave has raised concerns about health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The current heatwave is attributed to a ‘heat dome,’ a high-pressure system that traps warm air. Scientists note that climate change contributes to the frequency and intensity of such heatwaves, with Europe warming by 0.56°C per decade over the past 30 years.