Weather forecasters in Europe warned on Tuesday, May 26, of extreme temperatures as a severe heatwave, caused by a phenomenon known as a “heat dome,” is pushing temperatures well above normal seasonal levels across the continent. The situation comes after a record Monday, when France recorded its hottest day of May since meteorological measurements began, while the United Kingdom also recorded unprecedented temperatures. The phenomenon occurs when very warm air masses from North Africa are blocked by a high-pressure system over Western Europe. As a result, temperatures rise sharply, reaching levels usually seen only at the height of summer.
Restrictions on outdoor activities have been imposed in some regions of Italy, while beaches in southwestern France have filled up earlier than usual. Farmers also report that temperatures above 30°C have accelerated agricultural harvests.
Scientists say human-induced climate change is making these events more frequent and intense. Europe is warming faster than the global average, while heatwaves are becoming longer and more extreme. In Spain, temperatures are expected to reach 38°C this week, while in Italy some regions have restricted outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day. In the United Kingdom, the Met Office said Monday was the hottest day ever recorded in May, with 34.8°C at Kew Gardens, southwest of London, 2 degrees above the previous record. “This heatwave would be exceptional for Britain even in midsummer, let alone May,” the Met Office said on the X network.
Experts warn that global warming is increasing the intensity of extreme phenomena such as heat waves, droughts and floods, causing temperature records to be broken more frequently.
Meteorologist Greg Dewhurst of the Met Office told AFP that the rise in extreme temperatures is “a clear indication of climate change in action” and that such situations could become the “new normal”. Last week, British climate advisers warned the government that the country was “built for a climate that no longer exists” and called for infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, to adapt to the new climate reality. In 2022, temperatures in Britain exceeded 40°C for the first time since official records began. Ireland also recorded record temperatures for May, with 28.8°C in Killarney and Clonmel.
A fire broke out in Edinburgh, Scotland, blanketing the city in smoke as temperatures reached 25°C. In France, the meteorological agency said Monday was the hottest day ever recorded in May for the entire country. Temperatures are expected to remain between 33°C and 36°C in some regions and the heatwave could last until the end of the week.
In Paris, the temperature exceeded 30°C for the first time this year, reaching 31.9°C on Saturday. In Spain, the National Meteorological Agency (Aemet) warned that “exceptionally high temperatures for this time of year” would continue throughout the week, except in the Canary Islands. “Tropical nights” are also expected in southwest Spain from Wednesday, where temperatures will not drop significantly even at night. The peak of the heat is expected from Wednesday to Friday, with temperatures from 36°C to 38°C. Meanwhile, in Italy, the Lazio region adopted rules limiting work in open spaces between 12:30 and 16:00, especially for the agriculture, construction and logistics sectors. The measures will remain in force until September 15.
Similar restrictions were imposed last year, but only came into effect after May 30th.