Western Europe's early heat wave shatters records
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Western Europe is experiencing a spring heatwave with record-breaking temperatures, including a rare "tropical night" in London where temperatures stayed above 20°C (68°F), and southern England potentially reaching 35°C (95°F).
- The U.K. recorded its hottest May day on record at 34.8°C (94.6°F), surpassing previous highs from 1922 and 1944, while France saw temperatures reach 36°C (97°F) with persistent warm nights.
- The heatwave, driven by a "heat dome" caused by a high-pressure front, has led to multiple drownings in Britain and France as people sought relief in water, with at least seven heat-related deaths reported in France.
- Authorities in the U.K. have issued an amber health alert warning vulnerable populations about heat risks, amid infrastructure challenges such as subway trains without air conditioning and ongoing grass fires in Scotland.
- The heatwave has also affected Spain and Italy, with Seville reaching 38°C (100°F) and Rome expecting temperatures up to 32°C (89.6°F), marking unusually early and intense heat for May.