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Western and Central Europe are trapped beneath an unusually early heat dome, driving temperatures to historic May records and causing multiple fatalities in France. Meteorologists warn that the combination of cloudless skies, stagnant hot air, and Saharan dust drifting northward is intensifying the heat across the continent.
France: Seven Deaths Linked to Extreme Heat
French government spokesperson Maud Brégeon confirmed on Tuesday that seven people have died in incidents “directly or indirectly linked to the heat.” At least five victims drowned, likely after attempting to cool off in rivers or lakes. Two others collapsed and died during sporting events in Paris and the Lyon metropolitan area.
Authorities urged the public to exercise extreme caution.
Eight western départements were placed under Orange alert, the second-highest heat warning level. National forecaster Météo France expected temperatures to reach up to 36°C, after Monday already set the highest May temperatures ever recorded in parts of the country.
United Kingdom: Historic Nighttime Heat
The UK is also experiencing an unprecedented heatwave. In Kenley, a suburb of London, the temperature did not fall below 21.3°C overnight—the warmest May night on record.
Daytime temperatures soared above 30°C in several regions on Monday, peaking at 34.8°C in southwest London. The Met Office forecast further highs of up to 35°C in parts of southern England and Wales, with thunderstorms expected later in the day.
The previous May record of 32.8°C, set in 1922 and 1944, has now been surpassed. The heat coincided with the Spring Bank Holiday, sending thousands outdoors to beaches and parks.
Spain: Hot, but Seasonally Typical
Spain is also heating up, though meteorologists note that such temperatures are not unusual for late May. Forecasts predicted:
- Badajoz: 36°C
- Sevilla and Córdoba: 35°C
- Madrid, Zaragoza, Basque Country: around 35°C
- Mallorca: 28°C
While hot, these values fall within the expected range for early summer conditions on the Iberian Peninsula.
A Continental Pattern
The German Weather Service (DWD) describes the phenomenon as a “Hitzeglocke”—a heat dome trapping hot air over Europe. Clear skies allow the sun to heat the ground intensely, while warm, dry air enriched with Saharan dust continues to move northward.
Meteorologists warn that such early-season heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, consistent with broader climate trends across Europe.
- source: APA/picture: pixabay.com
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