Western Europe is currently grappling with an unprecedented early-summer heatwave, as France, Spain, and the United Kingdom report record-breaking temperatures for the month of May. In France, over 350 towns have documented their highest May temperatures on record, particularly in the western regions, with the peak reaching 37.1°C in Landes, situated in the southwest. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom shattered its own May temperature record when London’s Kew Gardens recorded a scorching 34.8°C.
Experts attribute these extreme temperatures to a heat dome phenomenon, which occurs when hot air from Morocco becomes confined under a robust high-pressure system. The current heatwave has pushed temperatures in various parts of Europe to soar 12°C to 13°C above normal seasonal averages. Forecasts indicate that this weather pattern will persist for several more days, with Spanish regions potentially hitting a sweltering 40°C as the week progresses.
French authorities have responded by placing 31 departments under high-temperature alerts, including several areas under the second-highest warning level. This marks the first instance since the national heat warning system was established in 2004 that it has been activated in May. The heat has already led to temperatures exceeding 35°C in numerous French towns, with Paris nearing 33°C. Tragically, the extreme conditions have claimed a life during a 10-kilometer race near Paris, where a participant reportedly succumbed to a heart attack. Several others required hospitalization in critical condition due to the intense heat.
In Spain, the mercury has already reached 38°C in southern regions, with predictions suggesting further increases as the week continues. Meteorologists caution that many areas may endure “tropical nights,” characterized by temperatures remaining above 20°C even after the sun sets. The intensifying frequency and severity of such heatwaves are attributed to the overarching effects of climate change, as experts note that these events are occurring earlier in the year and with increasing regularity across Europe.