Western Europe is grappling with a severe heatwave that has brought record-breaking temperatures to France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, marking an unusual start to summer in May. In France, more than 350 towns, particularly in the western regions, have reported their hottest May temperatures on record, with the southwestern area of Landes reaching a peak of 37.1°C. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom saw its national May temperature record shattered with a reading of 34.8°C at Kew Gardens in London.
Experts indicate that temperatures across various parts of Europe are currently 12°C to 13°C above the average for this time of year. The heatwave is expected to persist, with forecasts predicting that some areas of Spain could experience temperatures climbing to 40°C later this week. The extreme conditions in France are attributed to a heat dome, a phenomenon where hot air from Morocco becomes trapped under a strong high-pressure system. This event underscores the growing frequency and intensity of such weather extremes due to climate change.
Authorities in France have activated the national heat warning system for the first time in May since its inception in 2004. Thirty-one departments are under high-temperature alerts, with several facing the second-highest warning level. The scorching heat has seen temperatures soar past 35°C in numerous French towns, with Paris nearing 33°C. Tragically, a participant in a 10-kilometre race near Paris suffered a fatal heart attack amid the extreme heat, while several others were hospitalized in critical condition.
In Spain, the southern regions have already recorded temperatures as high as 38°C, with expectations of further escalation throughout the week. Meteorologists have warned of “tropical nights,” where temperatures remain above 20°C even after sunset, affecting many areas. The occurrence of heatwaves earlier in the year and their increasing prevalence are being attributed to long-term climate change, highlighting a pressing environmental concern for Europe.