Western Europe is currently grappling with an intense heatwave that has arrived unusually early in the summer, significantly affecting countries like France, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The scorching temperatures for the month of May have shattered historical records in over 350 locations throughout France, predominantly in its western parts. Notably, the southwestern region of Landes recorded a peak temperature of 37.1°C.
The United Kingdom has also witnessed a record-breaking May temperature, with Kew Gardens in London reporting a high of 34.8°C. Meanwhile, meteorologists have observed temperature surges of 12°C to 13°C above the seasonal norms across various parts of Europe. Projections indicate that the heatwave will persist for several more days, with some Spanish regions anticipated to reach 40°C by the week’s end.
French meteorological officials attribute these extreme conditions to a phenomenon known as a heat dome, where hot air from Morocco gets trapped under a potent high-pressure system. This situation, they warn, is becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to ongoing climate change. As a precaution, thirty-one departments in France have been placed under high-temperature alerts, with several reaching the second-highest warning level. This marks the first activation of the country’s national heat warning system in May since its establishment in 2004.
Across France, temperatures soared above 35°C in numerous towns, with Paris nearing 33°C. The extreme heat has already had tragic consequences, as evidenced by a fatality during a 10-kilometer race near Paris, where a participant reportedly succumbed to a heart attack. Several others were taken to hospitals in critical condition.
In Spain, the mercury has already reached 38°C in southern regions, with expectations for further increases as the week progresses. Meteorologists have cautioned that many areas might experience “tropical nights,” where temperatures remain above 20°C even after the sun sets. Experts assert that the timing and frequency of heatwaves in Europe are shifting, with occurrences becoming more common earlier in the year, largely due to the impacts of long-term climate change.