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An unusual heatwave has swept across Europe, causing at least 11 deaths in France and the UK, while temperatures have broken historic May records in several countries on the continent.
At least 11 people have died in France and Britain since Saturday in an unprecedented heatwave that has gripped Europe, with temperatures breaking May records in several countries. The continent is experiencing temperatures that are usually recorded in July rather than late spring, with experts linking the situation directly to climate change.
Temperatures in the UK reach 35 degrees Celsius, 4 deaths recorded
Britain is experiencing its highest temperatures ever recorded for the month of May. In London, initially 34.8 degrees Celsius were recorded, an absolute record for this period, but a day later the temperature reached 35.1 degrees. Normal May temperatures in this country are 15 degrees, so the increase has been double.
Authorities there described the situation as “unprecedented for this time of year” and said records were being set due to global warming. Four people died after entering the water to cool off, while British authorities issued a health alert for the elderly and people with chronic problems. In London, citizens flocked to public swimming pools, while the lack of air conditioning on trains and subways made public transport suffocating for many Britons.
7 people die as a result of hot weather in France
France is also experiencing record temperatures for May. In some areas of the country's west, temperatures have been up to 13 degrees above seasonal normal. Meteo France described the heatwave as "historic, unusual and exceptional for the month of May."
Seven people have died in the country in heat-related incidents, five of them after taking a dip in the water to cool off. In Paris, temperatures have reached 35 degrees Celsius, making it difficult for the Roland Garros tournament to take place, with players and spectators seeking cooling with water spray.
The thermometer reaches 37 degrees in Spain
In Spain, temperatures have reached typical July levels. In Seville, the thermometer has reached 37 degrees, while in the coming days it is expected to reach 40 degrees in some areas of the southwest. In Madrid and other cities, the streets and outdoor venues have been emptied due to the intense heat.
"It feels like we're in the middle of July ," said a Madrid resident, as many Spaniards are talking about climate change that is completely altering the traditional spring weather.
Temperatures in Italy rise 5 degrees above normal
In Italy, the maximum heat alert has been issued for several cities. Turin is expected to reach 33 degrees, Rome and Bologna 31, while Florence 30 degrees. Temperatures are about 5 degrees above normal for the end of May, but Italy remains less affected compared to the rest of Western Europe. Meteorologists warn that even the rainfall expected in some areas will not significantly reduce the heat.
Europe on alert
According to experts, the heat wave is being caused by a mass of very hot air rising from North Africa, crossing the Mediterranean and covering a large part of Europe. From the Iberian Peninsula to Greece and the Netherlands, the heat "bubble" is considered unusual not only for its temperatures, but also for its extent.
"Such phenomena are more typical for the month of July. Such heat waves will be repeated more and more often. Climate change is already a permanent signal," said meteorologist Carlo Cacciamani.
Meanwhile, the Barcelona Institute for Global Health published data on heat-related deaths in 32 European countries on May 8 in the journal Nature Health. According to the study, between 2022 and 2024, about 180,000 people lost their lives due to extreme heat. Although the number remains lower than the number of victims from cold, researchers warn that the gap between them is narrowing.
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