Western Europe is currently grappling with an unusually intense heatwave for this time of year, as France, Spain, and the United Kingdom report record-breaking temperatures in May. In France, over 350 towns have experienced their highest May temperatures ever recorded, particularly in the western regions, with the peak reaching 37.1°C in the south-western area of Landes. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has set a new national record for May, with temperatures hitting 34.8°C at Kew Gardens in London.
Experts attribute these extreme conditions to a “heat dome,” where warm air from Morocco is trapped under a strong high-pressure system. This phenomenon is causing temperatures across several parts of Europe to soar 12°C to 13°C above the seasonal averages. Weather forecasts indicate that the heatwave is expected to persist for several more days, with parts of Spain potentially seeing temperatures climb to 40°C later in the week.
In France, 31 departments have been put under high-temperature alerts, with some areas reaching the second-highest warning level. This marks the first time since the implementation of France’s national heat warning system in 2004 that it has been activated in May. In addition to the sweltering heat, authorities reported a tragic incident during a 10-kilometer race near Paris, where a participant suffered a fatal heart attack due to the extreme temperatures. Several others were hospitalized in critical condition.
Spain is also facing severe heat, with southern regions already experiencing temperatures of 38°C, and meteorologists warning of “tropical nights” where temperatures remain above 20°C even after sunset. Experts are increasingly concerned about the frequency and intensity of such heatwaves, noting that they are now occurring earlier in the year and becoming more common due to the effects of long-term climate change.