Western Europe is grappling with an intense heatwave that has arrived unusually early this year, impacting countries like France, Spain, and the United Kingdom with soaring temperatures well above average for May. In France, more than 350 towns, predominantly in the west, have reported their highest-ever May temperatures. The southwestern region of Landes recorded the peak temperature at 37.1°C.
The United Kingdom has also experienced a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures reaching 34.8°C at Kew Gardens in London, setting a new national record for May. Weather experts have noted that temperatures in several parts of Europe are currently 12°C to 13°C above the seasonal norm. As the heatwave persists, forecasters predict that some areas in Spain might see temperatures climb to 40°C in the coming days.
In France, the extreme heat conditions are attributed to a heat dome phenomenon, where hot air originating from Morocco is trapped under a robust high-pressure system. This situation has prompted French weather authorities to issue high-temperature alerts for 31 departments, with some areas receiving the second-highest warning level. Notably, this marks the first activation of France’s national heat warning system in May since its establishment in 2004. Paris itself has seen temperatures nearing 33°C, and in one tragic incident, a participant in a 10-kilometre race near the city succumbed to a heart attack, with several others hospitalized due to the heat.
In southern Spain, temperatures have already soared to 38°C and are expected to continue rising throughout the week. Meteorologists warn that many regions may experience “tropical nights,” where temperatures do not dip below 20°C even after sunset. This early onset of heatwaves and their increasing frequency are seen as evidence of the long-term impacts of climate change in Europe.