A sweltering early-summer heatwave has gripped Western Europe, with France, Spain, and the United Kingdom experiencing unprecedented May temperatures. In France, over 350 towns, primarily in the western regions, have logged their highest-ever May temperatures, with the mercury soaring to 37.1°C in the south-western Landes area. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom shattered its national May temperature record, reaching 34.8°C at Kew Gardens in London.
Weather specialists report that temperatures across various parts of Europe are currently 12°C to 13°C above the usual seasonal averages. This intense heatwave is predicted to linger for several more days, with some regions in Spain possibly seeing temperatures climb to 40°C later in the week. Meteorologists have attributed these extreme conditions to a heat dome, where hot air from Morocco becomes ensnared beneath a robust high-pressure system, a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change.
In France, authorities have issued high-temperature alerts for 31 departments, with several areas under the second-highest warning level. This marks the first instance since the national heat warning system’s inception in 2004 that it has been activated in May. Paris itself neared 33°C, and the oppressive heat has had tragic consequences. During a 10-kilometre race near the capital, a participant reportedly succumbed to a heart attack, while several others were hospitalized in critical condition.
Spain is also reeling under the heat, with southern regions already experiencing temperatures of 38°C, expected to rise further as the week progresses. Meteorologists caution that many areas could endure “tropical nights,” where temperatures do not dip below 20°C even after sunset. Experts emphasize that the timing and frequency of heatwaves in Europe are shifting, occurring earlier in the year and becoming more common due to long-term climate changes.