HOLIDAYING Brits are soaking up the sun – with a new heat record for May broken in Portugal and weather alerts issued across Europe.
Temperatures in the Portuguese town of Mora soared past 40 degrees as the rest of the continent faced huge .
Beachgoers in Barcelona, Spain, as Europe sees record-breaking temperatures Credit: AP
Tourists face sweltering temperatures Credit: AFP
With half-term underway, Brit families are jetting off to holiday hotspots as scorching temperatures are recorded across European cities.
The UK and France have already reported their hottest-ever May days this week.
In France, local authorities held meetings to prepare for the blistering heat.
World tennis champion bowed out of after battling the heat in his match against Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
Beachgoers soak up the sun in France Credit: EPA
Italy is also facing high temperatures Credit: Splash
A red alert has been issued in Italy for , Bologna, Florence and Turin – with temperatures reaching 32 degrees in the capital.
At least 17 areas in France, including Paris, have seen an orange alert due to the mega heat.
The central Portuguese town of Mora saw a record-breaking temperature of 40.3 degrees – besting the previous May peak of 40 degrees in 2001.
Other parts of the country are set to face 35 degree heat on Friday before the temperature begins to calm.
Paris has introduced some measures to cope with the heat Credit: AFP
Tourists are coming to Paris during half-term as the heat ramps up Credit: AFP
Germany, Spain and Switzerland are also seeing temperatures reach unusually high peaks.
French prime minister Sébastien Lecornu has discussed a readiness plan in case there are forest fires or inadequate water supplies.
The country has also announced that Baccalaureate exams – the French equivalent of A-levels – will go ahead despite the blistering heat.
Some have already shut down because of the sweltering heat.
In Souston, Landes, a primary school is still shut down after internal building temperatures reached a whopping 53 degrees, local media reports.
Paris has given exam centres the ability to choose rooms with the most shade.
But they said exams would go ahead “because the students are prepared and… there is also a schedule according to which they expect their results”.
Some parents and teacher unions have slammed the decision, saying the heat is simply too much for exams.
Nearly 80 per cent of schools in France have recorded temperatures over 30 degrees this week, according to a union survey.
They also found that teachers had been bringing in screwdrivers to pry windows open.
In France, 17 counties in the northwest, including Paris, have issued an orange alert.
Local authorities warned people should stay “very vigilant” of the heat.
Paris is expected to see temperatures reach 34 degrees over this weekend.
Local cops have introduced measures to ease the pressure on roads in the capital until Saturday.
Only lower-emission vehicles will be allowed on the roads and speed limits are being reduced.
costs are also being cut to reduce the number of cars in Paris.
At the French Open, Italian tennis star Sinner appeared to be in control of his game before things took a turn for the worse.
He cited dizziness as one of the reasons for his loss – adding that this led to his deterioration in performance.
Sinner said: “It was a tough spot to be in.
“Really it was nothing against the heat, nothing against the . It was just me today, but it happens.”
Temperatures will soar to 35 degrees in Madrid over the weekend.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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