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Europe Heatwave Hits 40.3 °C, Sparks Alerts, Closures

5/30/2026

Summary

Portugal Sets Record

Portugal recorded a heat record of 40.3 °C in Mora, beating the 2001 high of 40 °C.
Red alerts were issued for Italian cities—including Rome, expected to reach 32 °C—and for 17 French departments, warning Paris could hit 34 °C and limiting traffic.
A school in Souston, Landes, closed after indoor temperatures hit 53 °C, leading Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to chair a meeting and confirm exams will continue.

Summary

Portugal Heatwave Surge

Health Minister Ana Paula Martins reported a rise in hospitalizations due to the heatwave as the yellow weather warning, covering all mainland districts except Faro, remains in force until 6 p.m. Thursday.
Algarve municipalities are at maximum wildfire danger, while Portalegre will see hot nights with lows of 23 °C.
Across Europe, the UK recorded at least 11 open-water deaths while France recorded seven heat-related deaths, five of which were drownings.

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Portugal Sets Record

Portugal recorded a heat record of 40.3 °C in Mora, beating the 2001 high of 40 °C.
Red alerts were issued for Italian cities—including Rome, expected to reach 32 °C—and for 17 French departments, warning Paris could hit 34 °C and limiting traffic.
A school in Souston, Landes, closed after indoor temperatures hit 53 °C, leading Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to chair a meeting and confirm exams will continue.

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