Unseasonably high temperatures have gripped Western Europe in an early-summer heatwave, with France, Spain, and the United Kingdom witnessing record-breaking heat for the month of May. France has seen over 350 towns, primarily in its western regions, experience their hottest May on record. The highest temperature noted was 37.1°C in the south-western region of Landes.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom shattered its own May temperature record as well, with a scorching 34.8°C registered at Kew Gardens in London. Weather specialists indicate that several parts of Europe are enduring temperatures 12°C to 13°C above the norm for this time of year. The heatwave is expected to persist for several more days, with predictions that some areas in Spain might see temperatures climb to 40°C later in the week.
The onset of these extreme temperatures in France is attributed to a heat dome, a phenomenon where hot air originating from Morocco becomes trapped under a strong high-pressure system. Climate change is cited by officials as a factor contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of such events. As a response, thirty-one French departments have been put on high-temperature alerts, with some receiving the second-highest warning level. Notably, this marks the first activation of France’s national heat warning system in May since it was established in 2004.
Temperatures have surged past 35°C in various French towns, with Paris nearing 33°C. Tragically, the intense heat has been linked to a fatality during a 10-kilometer race near Paris, where a participant reportedly succumbed to a heart attack. Several others were hospitalized in severe condition due to the extreme conditions.
In Spain, southern regions have already recorded temperatures reaching 38°C, with expectations of further increases as the week progresses. Meteorologists caution that many areas may experience “tropical nights,” where temperatures do not dip below 20°C even after sunset. Experts highlight that heatwaves in Europe are occurring earlier in the year and with increasing regularity, a trend attributed to long-term climate change.