Western Europe reeled under an unseasonal heatwave on Tuesday as record-breaking temperatures swept across the continent. A heat dome carrying warm air from northern Africa and trapped under a high-pressure system over western Europe pushed temperatures far above normal May averages, according to weather agencies.
Fatalities and Warnings
In France, at least seven people died directly or indirectly due to the extreme weather, while authorities across several countries issued warnings and restrictions, Reuters reported. France's weather service said Monday was the hottest May day recorded in the country since measurements began, while Britain also registered its warmest May day on record. Temperatures in parts of France are expected to reach up to 36 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, with the heat likely to continue through Wednesday and Thursday.
French junior energy minister Maud Bregeon said the seven people who died due to the heatwave included five who drowned in lakes, rivers and beaches as people sought relief from the soaring temperatures. Authorities also directed local administrations to implement protective measures during sporting events.
Impact on Events and Daily Life
In Paris, temperatures around 33C left spectators and players battling difficult conditions at Roland Garros. French authorities said a man died during a 10-km race in Paris on Sunday, while 10 others were hospitalised in critical condition after another race near the capital. Most of Brittany remained under an orange-level heat warning on Tuesday.
“It's a bit worrying because it's not really normal at this time of year, but unfortunately I think this is going to become the norm in France,” student Chloe Voisin told AFP in Bordeaux.
United Kingdom Records
In Britain, the Met Office recorded a high of 34.8C at Kew Gardens in southwest London on Monday, two degrees above the previous May record. Meteorologist Greg Dewhurst described the temperatures as “a good indication of climate change in action” and said such conditions were increasingly likely to become “the new norm”.
“This heat would be exceptional in the UK even in mid-summer, let alone May,” the Met Office posted on X. In London, temperatures at this time of year normally average around 17C or 18C. Tourists and residents struggled to cope with the conditions. “If you're not concerned about global warming, you must be deaf, blind altogether, right?” Swiss tourist Philippe Bignens told AFP in London.
Spain and Italy Respond
Spain's meteorological agency Aemet warned of “extraordinarily high temperatures for this time of year”, forecasting highs between 36C and 38C later this week along with “widespread tropical nights”. In Italy, Lazio authorities imposed restrictions on outdoor work between 12.30 pm and 4 pm in sectors including farming, construction and logistics.
Climate Change Link
Scientists said human-driven climate change was intensifying heatwaves, droughts and floods, making such extreme weather events more frequent and severe across Europe, AFP reported.
