Unseasonal May heat wave grips western Europe
DW.com • • world
Key Points:
- Western Europe is experiencing an exceptional heatwave, with France and the UK recording their hottest May temperatures on record due to a heat dome originating from northern Africa.
- The UK saw temperatures reach 34.8C at Kew Gardens, London, surpassing previous May highs by two degrees, with the Met Office describing the overnight minimum temperature as a "tropical night."
- France issued an orange heat wave alert as temperatures hit record highs for May, including Paris recording 31.9C, with heat-related deaths reported during athletic events in Paris and Lyon.
- Spain is forecasted to face the peak of the heatwave later in the week, with temperatures potentially reaching 40C, while parts of Italy have imposed outdoor work restrictions earlier than usual to cope with the heat.
- Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and severity of such heatwaves to human-driven climate change, with Europe warming faster than the global average, prompting calls for infrastructure adaptation.