Portugal has broken its record for the hottest May day. The town of Mora recorded a scorching 40.3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. This extreme temperature is part of a wider heatwave gripping Western Europe. Many countries are experiencing unusually high temperatures for this time of year.
This new record surpasses Portugal's previous May high of 40 degrees Celsius. That record was set in May 2001. The heatwave is causing significant challenges across the continent. France is assessing its readiness for extreme heat events. Italy has issued a red heatwave alert for Rome. Germany, Spain, and Switzerland are also facing very hot weather.
The current heat spell fits a worrying trend for Europe. The continent is warming significantly faster than the global average. Copernicus climate service data shows Europe warming by 0.56 degrees Celsius per decade. This warming trend makes heat extremes more frequent and more intense. Scientists widely attribute these events to climate change. The United Nations predicts global temperatures will remain at record levels.
Experts highlight the impact of these extreme weather events. The UN's World Meteorological Organization warned that the 11 hottest years on record have all occurred since 2015. They predict a new hottest-ever year is likely before 2031. This surge in heat is putting immense pressure on public services and infrastructure.
The implications of such intense heat are far-reaching. In France, baccalaureate exams are continuing despite the heat. Some schools have closed due to internal temperatures reaching 53 degrees Celsius. Teachers report bringing in their own fans. This highlights the strain on educational systems. In sports, tennis player Jannik Sinner withdrew from the French Open due to heat. Italian authorities warn of possible negative health effects, even for healthy people.