Europe scorched by rare May heatwave as France, UK record historic temperatures
PTC Web Desk: A powerful heatwave continued to grip large parts of Western Europe on Tuesday, with France and the United Kingdom witnessing record-breaking temperatures for the month of May. Authorities across the continent issued health advisories and weather alerts as soaring temperatures disrupted daily life and raised concerns over climate change.
According to meteorologists, the extreme heat has been caused by a “heat dome” carrying hot air from northern Africa into Europe, resulting in unusually high temperatures more commonly experienced during peak summer months.
In the United Kingdom, temperatures surged to 34.8 degrees Celsius at London’s Kew Gardens on Monday, making it the hottest May day ever recorded in the country. The UK Met Office said the temperature exceeded the previous May record by nearly two degrees and described the conditions as highly unusual for this time of year.
The country also experienced what experts called a “tropical night,” with overnight temperatures remaining exceptionally high. Weather officials noted that such heat is generally expected in mid-summer rather than during spring.
Climate experts in Britain recently warned that the country’s infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events. They stressed the need to redesign schools, hospitals and transport systems to cope with rising temperatures linked to global warming.
Germany too has been experiencing an early spell of intense heat. Temperatures crossed the 30-degree Celsius mark for the first time this year over the weekend, while forecasters predicted even hotter conditions in several regions during the week.
France has also been severely affected by the heatwave. The country’s weather agency stated that Monday became the hottest May day ever recorded nationwide since records began. Several regions, particularly in northwestern France, have been placed under an orange-level heat alert.
Paris recorded temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius for the first time this year, touching nearly 32 degrees over the weekend.
French authorities confirmed multiple deaths linked directly or indirectly to the ongoing heatwave. A participant in a 10-km race in Paris died during the event, while another woman reportedly suffered fatal heat stroke after taking part in a fitness competition in Lyon.
France’s government said at least seven deaths have been associated with the extreme weather conditions so far. Officials noted that several victims drowned while attempting to cool off in rivers, lakes and beaches amid the intense heat.
The French government has directed local administrations to implement safety measures during sporting and outdoor events as temperatures continue to rise.
Elsewhere in southern Europe, Spain is expected to witness the most severe conditions later this week, with temperatures in some regions forecast to approach 40 degrees Celsius. In Italy, authorities have already imposed restrictions on outdoor work activities in several areas to protect workers from heat-related illnesses.
Scientists have repeatedly warned that Europe is warming faster than many other parts of the world due to climate change caused by human activity. Experts say heatwaves across the continent are becoming more frequent, arriving earlier in the year and lasting longer than before.
- With inputs from agencies
