7 dead as France registers hottest May temperatures ever; Europe braces for harsher conditions

Western Europe experienced its hottest May temperatures on record as a heat dome pulled hot air from northern Africa, pushing temperatures to extreme levels. France’s Meteo-France confirmed Monday was the hottest May day nationwide since records began, with Paris reaching 31.9°C and Lyon recording a heatstroke death. Seven deaths were linked to the heatwave, including five drownings, prompting orange alerts across northwestern France and Brittany, where temperatures neared 36°C. The UK recorded its hottest May day ever, with temperatures hitting 35°C—nearly two degrees above the previous record—and London’s Kew Gardens reaching 34.8°C. The Met Office called the heat ‘exceptional’ even for mid-summer, noting overnight temperatures remained unusually high. Climate advisers warned the UK’s infrastructure is unprepared for such extreme weather, urging upgrades to schools and hospitals. Germany saw temperatures above 30°C for the first time in 2026, with forecasts predicting further heat through the week. Spain is expected to face the worst conditions later in the week, with some regions nearing 40°C, while Italy has already restricted outdoor work due to the heat. France’s Junior Energy Minister Maud Bregeon reported seven heat-related deaths, five from drowning, and ordered protective measures for outdoor events. Authorities issued orange heatwave alerts, France’s second-highest warning, with extreme heat persisting until at least the weekend. Scientists attributed the heatwave to Europe warming faster than the global average, citing human-induced climate change as the primary cause.