Western Europe is grappling with an unusually intense heatwave for this time of year, as France, Spain, and the United Kingdom experience record-breaking temperatures in May. In France, over 350 towns, particularly in the western regions, have reported their highest May temperatures on record, with the southwestern area of Landes reaching a peak of 37.1°C. Similarly, the United Kingdom set a new national record for May when temperatures soared to 34.8°C at Kew Gardens in London.
Weather experts have noted that parts of Europe are currently experiencing temperatures 12°C to 13°C above the seasonal average. The heatwave is expected to persist for several days, with forecasts suggesting that some regions in Spain could see temperatures climbing to 40°C later in the week. The extreme weather conditions in France are attributed to a heat dome, a phenomenon where hot air from Morocco is trapped under a high-pressure system, a situation that officials warn is becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.
In response to the sweltering temperatures, France has placed 31 departments under high-temperature alerts, including several under the second-highest warning level. This marks the first activation of France’s national heat warning system in May since its implementation in 2004. The capital, Paris, saw temperatures nearing 33°C, while other towns recorded temperatures above 35°C. The extreme heat has led to a tragedy during a 10-kilometre race near Paris, where a participant succumbed to a heart attack, and several others were hospitalized in critical condition.
In Spain, the heatwave has already caused temperatures to rise to 38°C in southern regions, with further increases expected as the week progresses. Meteorologists have cautioned that many areas might endure “tropical nights,” where temperatures remain above 20°C even after sunset. This pattern of earlier and more frequent heatwaves in Europe is a growing concern among experts, who link it to the broader impacts of long-term climate change.