Western Europe suffered an unseasonal heatwave on Tuesday, as record temperatures swept across the continent.A “heat dome” carrying warm air from North Africa and trapped under a high-pressure system over Western Europe has caused temperatures to rise well above normal averages in May, according to weather agencies. In France, at least seven people died directly or indirectly due to the severe weather, while authorities in several countries issued warnings and restrictions, Reuters reported. The French meteorological service said Monday was the hottest May day recorded in the country since measurements began, while Britain also recorded its warmest May day on record. Temperatures in parts of France are expected to reach 36 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, and the heat is likely to continue until Wednesday and Thursday.French Minister of State for Energy Maud Bregon said that the seven people who died due to the heat wave, including five who drowned in lakes, rivers and beaches while people were looking for relief from the high temperatures. The authorities also directed local administrations to implement preventive measures during sporting events.In Paris, temperatures reached around 33 degrees Celsius, making spectators and players face difficult conditions at Roland Garros.
One man died during a 10-kilometre race in Paris on Sunday, while 10 others were taken to hospital in critical condition after another race near the capital, French authorities said.Most of Brittany remained under an orange heat warning on Tuesday.“It’s a bit worrying because it’s not really normal at this time of year, but unfortunately I think this will become the norm in France,” student Chloe Voisin told AFP in Bordeaux.In Britain, the Met Office recorded a high temperature of 34.8 degrees Celsius in Kew Gardens in southwest London on Monday, two degrees higher than the previous record for May. Meteorologist Greg Dewhurst described the temperatures as “a good indicator of climate change in reality” and said such conditions were likely to become “the new norm”.“This would be exceptional heat in the UK even in the middle of summer, let alone May,” the Met Office posted on the X website. In London, average temperatures at this time of year are usually around 17 or 18 degrees Celsius.Tourists and residents are struggling to cope with the conditions. “If you’re not worried about global warming, you must be completely deaf and blind, right?” Swiss tourist Philippe Pennens told AFP in London.The Spanish Meteorological Agency “Emet” warned of “unusually high temperatures for this time of year” and expected temperatures to range between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius later this week along with “widespread tropical nights.”In Italy, Lazio authorities imposed restrictions on outdoor work between 12:30 pm and 4 pm in sectors including agriculture, construction and logistics services.Scientists said climate change caused by human activity is intensifying heatwaves, droughts and floods, making such extreme weather events more frequent and severe across Europe, Agence France-Presse reported.
