Mercury is soaring across much of Europe, with many countries being struck by an intense heat wave that has appeared unusually early in the year. Before the summer season has even officially begun, large parts of the old continent are breaking historic temperature records, with temperatures in the 40s and unbearable heat taking center stage during the final days of May.
Europe: Powerful “heat dome” due to climate change
The continent is facing a powerful “heat dome”, which is a high-pressure system that traps warm air, pushing it toward the ground. Scientists point out that the phenomenon is intensifying due to anthropogenic climate change, which makes heat waves more frequent and intense.
A slight de-escalation is expected today and tomorrow, according to forecasts, though temperatures will remain high. At the same time, there are warnings for storms in Britain and France, as well as hailstorms in Italy.
“Boiling” Britain: Record temperature in the country’s history – Some residents without water
In the United Kingdom, Monday was recorded as the hottest May day in the country’s history, with 34.8 degrees Celsius at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in London. The record was surpassed on Tuesday, when mercury reached 35 degrees, while the average maximum temperature for the season is about 20 degrees.
As temperatures increased, a fire broke out near Arthur’s Seat hill in Edinburgh, Scotland. Hundreds of homes in southeastern England were left without water due to increased demand, while ten people lost their lives from drowning while trying to cool off in lakes and rivers.
Sunset brought no relief, as “tropical nights” were recorded, with temperatures not falling below 20 degrees. The conditions are causing serious discomfort and public health risks, as most homes in the country do not have air conditioning.
The UK’s Committee on Climate Change warned that the country “was built for a climate that no longer exists”. Steven Dixon from the Meteorological Service noted that “what used to happen once every 100 years now happens about once every 33 years”.
Heat wave in France – Tropical nights in Paris
Britain is not the only country being tested. Much of western Europe is recording temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal levels. In France, the meteorological service Météo France characterized the heat wave as “unprecedented” for the season, with Monday being the hottest May day ever recorded.
The high temperatures have already caused deaths. According to French government spokesperson Maud Brégeon, seven people have lost their lives, mainly from drowning and incidents at sporting events.
On Sunday, a 53-year-old man died during a running race in Paris, while a woman lost her life at a sporting event in Lyon. Sports Minister Marina Ferrari stated that these deaths constitute a “harsh reminder that exercising in extreme heat requires absolute caution”.
In Paris, the temperature did not drop below 20 degrees Celsius at night, while in areas like Saint-Germain it remained above 23. From Thursday afternoon, an orange heat wave warning was put into effect, with 17 departments in a state of increased alert.
In southern France, temperatures approach 40 degrees Celsius, while throughout the country they range from 32 to 35.
Unbearable heat in Italy and Spain – Rome on red alert
In Italy, authorities placed Rome, Florence, Bologna and Turin on red alert, warning that conditions are dangerous even for healthy citizens.
Spain is also facing “exceptionally high temperatures for the season,” according to the meteorological service AEMET. In Bilbao, in the Basque Country, mercury exceeds 40 degrees.
Scientists emphasize that extreme heat is a clear sign of the climate crisis. Greenhouse gases act like a “blanket” around Earth, increasing the planet’s temperature.
“We know without any doubt that heat waves like this have become more likely and more intense due to climate change,” said Peter Thorne, director of the ICARUS Climate Research Centre at Maynooth University in Ireland. “Many of the records being set now are truly unthinkable,” he added.
2024 the hottest year in Europe – Over 62,000 people lost their lives
The consequences of the heat are already dramatic. More than 62,000 people lost their lives in Europe from heat-related causes during 2024, the hottest year on record.
The UN warns that global temperatures will remain at historic highs until 2030. The World Meteorological Organization estimates there is a 75% chance that the average temperature of the 2026–2030 period will exceed pre-industrial levels by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, the El Niño phenomenon, expected to strengthen in late 2026, could lead to even hotter years both this year and in 2027.
