Western Europe Bakes in Record May Heat

Western Europe Records May Heat Records

Western Europe experienced an unprecedented early-summer heatwave in May, resulting in numerous record-high temperatures across France, the United Kingdom, and Spain. This event, characterized by temperatures significantly exceeding seasonal norms, indicates a notable climatic shift.

In France, 352 weather stations, primarily in the western regions, registered their highest-ever temperatures for May. The peak recording was 37.1C near Hossegor in the Landes department. Concurrently, the United Kingdom broke its all-time May temperature record, with 34.8C recorded at London's Kew Gardens. Spain is projected to experience temperatures up to 40C by the end of the week.

This heat episode, described by Météo France as "premature, remarkable and long," saw temperatures exceeding typical averages by 12C to 13C. Climate scientists have assessed the probability of such an event occurring in May as one in 1,000 based on climate data from 1979 to 2025, deeming it virtually impossible in the pre-industrial era. The elevated temperatures are expected to persist for several more days across the affected regions.