Italy has issued a red alert for Rome and several northern cities as a heat wave sweeps across Europe, with France and Portugal reporting record high temperatures. The mercury reached 40.3°C in Portugal, while France experienced extreme heat, impacting health and daily activities.

• 01Portugal recorded its hottest May day at 40.3°C in Mora, surpassing the previous record of 40°C from May 2001.
• 02Italy's red alert includes warnings for Rome, Florence, Bologna, Brescia, and Turin, indicating potential health risks even for healthy individuals.
• 03A school in France had to close due to corridor temperatures reaching 53°C, leading to student illnesses.
• 04Players at the French Open are struggling with the heat, with one player collapsing and others experiencing dehydration.
• 05Spain is also facing high temperatures, with forecasts of up to 37°C in the northeast, prompting heat alerts.

The heat wave poses health risks to residents in affected areas, particularly in cities under red alert, leading to increased hospitalizations and fatalities.