Western Europe is currently grappling with an unusually intense heatwave for this time of year, with France, Spain, and the United Kingdom experiencing record-breaking temperatures in May. France has seen more than 350 towns report their highest ever May temperatures, predominantly in the western regions. The most extreme temperature was 37.1°C, recorded in the south-western area of Landes. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, a new national record for May was set when temperatures soared to 34.8°C at Kew Gardens in London.
Weather experts have noted that the temperatures across various parts of Europe are exceeding seasonal averages by a staggering 12°C to 13°C. The forecast suggests that this heatwave is expected to persist for several days, with some regions in Spain potentially reaching the 40°C mark later in the week. In France, the intense weather conditions are attributed to a phenomenon known as a heat dome, where hot air from Morocco becomes trapped under a high-pressure system. Authorities have warned that such extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and severity due to climate change.
In response to the soaring temperatures, thirty-one departments in France have been placed under high-temperature alerts, with several areas under the second-highest level of warning. Notably, this marks the first time France’s national heat warning system, introduced in 2004, has been activated in May. Several French towns reported temperatures exceeding 35°C, with Paris nearing 33°C. Unfortunately, the extreme heat has had serious consequences, including a fatality during a 10-kilometer race near Paris where a participant succumbed to a heart attack, and several others were hospitalized in critical condition.
Spain is also facing extreme temperatures, with southern areas already reaching 38°C and expected to climb even higher as the week progresses. Meteorologists have cautioned that many regions may experience “tropical nights,” a phenomenon where nighttime temperatures remain above 20°C. These heatwaves are occurring earlier in the year and with increasing regularity, a trend that experts attribute to the long-term impacts of climate change.