Western Europe is grappling with an intense heatwave, marking an unusual weather pattern for May, as France, Spain, and the United Kingdom experience record-breaking temperatures. Across France, more than 350 towns, particularly in the western regions, have recorded their hottest temperatures for the month, with a peak of 37.1°C reported in the southwestern area of Landes. Similarly, the UK set a new national record for May when temperatures soared to 34.8°C at Kew Gardens in London.
Weather experts have noted that temperatures in various parts of Europe are currently 12°C to 13°C above the seasonal average. The ongoing heatwave is projected to persist for several more days, with meteorologists predicting that some areas of Spain could reach a scorching 40°C later in the week. Spanish regions have already seen temperatures rise to 38°C in the south, with warnings of “tropical nights” where temperatures stay above 20°C after sunset.
The extreme weather conditions in France are attributed to a heat dome effect, where warm air originating from Morocco is trapped under a strong high-pressure system. This phenomenon has led to 31 French departments being placed under high-temperature alerts, with several under the second-highest warning level. Notably, this is the first instance since 2004 that France’s national heat warning system has been activated in May, highlighting the severity of the situation.
In several French towns, temperatures surpassed 35°C, while Paris neared 33°C. Tragically, a participant in a 10-kilometer race near Paris died, reportedly from a heart attack caused by the extreme heat, while several others were hospitalized in critical condition. French authorities have warned that such extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, a concern echoed by experts who note that heatwaves in Europe are occurring earlier each year.