An unseasonable heatwave is gripping Western Europe, with France, Spain, and the United Kingdom experiencing record-breaking temperatures for May. This unusual weather pattern has seen over 350 towns in France, primarily in the western regions, mark their highest May temperatures ever. The southwest area of Landes recorded a staggering 37.1°C. Meanwhile, in the UK, the national May temperature record was surpassed when Kew Gardens in London registered 34.8°C.
Current temperatures in several parts of Europe are soaring 12°C to 13°C above the seasonal norms, according to weather experts. The heatwave is predicted to persist for several more days, with some areas in Spain expected to hit 40°C later in the week. French meteorologists attribute these extreme conditions to a heat dome, where hot air from Morocco is trapped under a strong high-pressure system, a phenomenon exacerbated by climate change.
In France, 31 departments have been placed under high-temperature alerts, including several under the second-highest warning level. It marks the first activation of France’s national heat warning system in May since its inception in 2004. Temperatures in some French towns have exceeded 35°C, with Paris nearing 33°C. Tragically, the heat has claimed a life during a 10-kilometre race near Paris, where a participant reportedly succumbed to a heart attack, and several others were hospitalized in critical condition.
Spain is also enduring sweltering conditions, with temperatures already reaching 38°C in the south and expected to climb further throughout the week. Meteorologists have cautioned that many regions may face “tropical nights,” where the mercury does not dip below 20°C even after sunset.
Experts emphasize that heatwaves in Europe are occurring earlier each year and are becoming increasingly frequent due to the ongoing effects of climate change. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for strategies and policies to mitigate the impacts of such extreme weather events.