Western Europe is grappling with a severe heatwave as the region experiences temperatures more typical of mid-summer than May. France, Spain, and the United Kingdom have all recorded unseasonably high temperatures, with more than 350 towns in France experiencing their hottest May on record, particularly in the western regions. Notably, the temperature in the south-western area of Landes soared to 37.1°C.
The United Kingdom also faced record-breaking heat, with Kew Gardens in London witnessing a high of 34.8°C, marking a new national record for May. Across Europe, temperatures are currently 12°C to 13°C above seasonal averages, and forecasters predict the heatwave will persist for several more days. In Spain, some areas might see temperatures climb to 40°C later in the week, with meteorologists warning of “tropical nights” where temperatures remain above 20°C even after sunset.
In France, the extreme heat has prompted authorities to place 31 departments under high-temperature alerts, with some areas under the second-highest warning level. This marks the first activation of France’s national heat warning system in May since its inception in 2004. The intense heat has had serious consequences, including a tragic incident near Paris where a participant in a 10-kilometre race reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack, while others were hospitalized in critical condition.
Experts attribute these extreme weather conditions to a phenomenon known as a heat dome, where hot air from Morocco is trapped under a strong high-pressure system. French weather officials have cautioned that such events are becoming more frequent and severe due to the ongoing impacts of climate change. With temperatures exceeding 35°C in several French towns and Paris nearing 33°C, the early onset of heatwaves in Europe is raising concerns about the long-term effects of climate change on weather patterns.