Western Europe Faces Early Heatwave

Western Europe Faces Early Heatwave

Western Europe is experiencing an early and intense heatwave, with temperatures projected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius across Portugal, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom from Friday into next week. This event, driven by a heat dome trapping hot air from Morocco under a powerful anticyclone, is expected to set new May temperature records in numerous locations.

Forecasts indicate temperatures could reach 32 degrees Celsius in Paris and London, 35 degrees Celsius in southwestern France, and up to 38 degrees Celsius in Spain's Guadiana and Guadalquivir regions. The UK Met Office has issued heat health alerts, anticipating local temperatures of 33 degrees Celsius by Monday, potentially surpassing the 1944 May record of 32.8 degrees Celsius. Météo-France predicts new national May temperature records, exceeding previous highs by several degrees in cities like Nantes and Brest.

This heatwave represents temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages, with some northern regions of Spain experiencing conditions typically seen in July or August. The duration of this hot spell is expected to extend well into the following week, marking a significant and premature extreme weather event for the region.