Western Europe is grappling with an intense heatwave earlier than usual this year, as France, Spain, and the United Kingdom report record-breaking temperatures in May. In France, more than 350 towns, predominantly in the western regions, have experienced their hottest May ever. The highest temperature was recorded in the southwestern area of Landes, reaching a sweltering 37.1°C.
The United Kingdom also set a new national record for May temperatures, with Kew Gardens in London measuring a scorching 34.8°C. Weather specialists have noted that temperatures across several parts of Europe are currently 12°C to 13°C above normal for this time of year. Forecasts suggest that the heatwave will persist for several days, with certain areas in Spain potentially seeing temperatures rise to 40°C later in the week.
French weather authorities attribute the severe conditions to a heat dome, a phenomenon where hot air from Morocco becomes trapped under a strong high-pressure system. They have issued warnings that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Consequently, 31 French departments have been placed under high-temperature alerts, with some regions under the second-highest warning level, marking the first activation of France’s national heat warning system in May since its inception in 2004.
Temperatures have soared past 35°C in several French towns, with Paris nearing 33°C. The extreme heat has led to a tragic incident near Paris, where a participant in a 10-kilometer race reportedly suffered a heart attack and died. Several others were hospitalized in critical condition. In Spain, temperatures have already hit 38°C in the southern regions, with predictions of further increases. Meteorologists caution that many areas could experience “tropical nights,” where nighttime temperatures remain above 20°C.
Experts emphasize that heatwaves in Europe are occurring earlier and more frequently due to long-term climate change. The current situation underscores the urgent need for strategies to address and mitigate the impacts of these increasingly common and severe weather events.
