Extreme May heat hits Western Europe: records broken in France and UK

Western Europe is experiencing an unprecedented May heatwave, with temperature records shattered in France and the United Kingdom. French authorities have linked at least seven deaths to the heat, while Spain and Portugal brace for temperatures up to 40°C in the coming days.

Western Europe is gripped by an extraordinary early-season heatwave that has already broken historical temperature records in multiple countries. In the United Kingdom, the mercury surpassed a temperature record that had stood since 1922, while France recorded its highest-ever May temperature since measurements began.

## Deaths and records in France

French authorities have confirmed that at least seven people have died in connection with the extreme heat. The country's all-time May temperature record has been surpassed, raising urgent questions about public health preparedness as summer has not yet officially begun.

In the UK, the century-old benchmark set in 1922 was broken as temperatures climbed to levels rarely seen in Britain even during peak summer months. Meteorologists noted that such conditions in May are highly unusual for the region.

## Worse conditions expected ahead

The situation is forecast to deteriorate further in the coming days. Spain and Portugal are expected to see temperatures climb as high as 40 degrees Celsius, threatening agriculture, infrastructure, and the health of vulnerable populations across the Iberian Peninsula.

Climate scientists have increasingly linked such early and intense heatwaves to long-term climate change patterns, warning that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe across Europe. Emergency services and health authorities across affected countries have urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, and check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours.