European Heatwave Sets May Records

A heatwave across Western Europe this week established new May temperature records in the United Kingdom and France, driven by a persistent high-pressure system. This meteorological event resulted in temperatures 10-15 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages, impacting daily life and contributing to fatalities.

On Tuesday, the United Kingdom recorded its highest May temperature at 35.1 degrees Celsius in Kew Gardens, London, surpassing the previous record of 34.8 degrees Celsius set on Monday. Ireland also experienced a new May maximum of 28.8 degrees Celsius. France registered temperatures up to 36 degrees Celsius on Monday and Tuesday, marking its hottest May days on record. A French government spokesperson attributed seven deaths to the heatwave.

While temperatures are projected to remain 5-10 degrees Celsius above average for the remainder of the week, a moderation is anticipated for the UK into next week. Concurrently, southeastern and eastern Australia faced severe thunderstorms, with warnings for damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and hail. Dayboro, Queensland, recorded 50mm of rain in 30 minutes, and Narrabri, New South Wales, experienced a 104 kph wind gust.