Heat dome from Africa scorches western Europe
A heat dome from northern Africa pushed record-breaking temperatures across western Europe in early June, with France, the UK, Spain, and Ireland experiencing unprecedented May highs, while authorities warned of prolonged extreme heat and related risks like wildfires and health emergencies. Scientists linked the event to human-driven climate change, noting Europe’s rapid warming and increasing frequency of severe heat waves, while governments and meteorologists urged preparedness for worsening conditions.
A high-pressure system trapping warm air from northern Africa over western Europe has triggered record temperatures in May, with multiple countries experiencing extreme heat weeks ahead of summer. France recorded its hottest May day on record, surpassing 36°C in some regions, while the UK hit 34.8°C at Kew Gardens, London—2°C above its previous May high. Spain’s temperatures are expected to peak at 38°C later this week, and Ireland also saw record highs of 28.8°C in Killarney and Clonmel. The heat wave has prompted early beach crowds in France, restrictions on outdoor work in Italy, and accelerated harvests across the region. The Met Office in the UK described the heat as 'exceptional' even for mid-summer, with temperatures 17°C above normal for May. A grass fire near Edinburgh sent smoke over the city as temperatures reached 25°C, while a runner died and 10 others were hospitalized during races in Paris. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu will meet with ministers to review government preparations for the prolonged heat, which is expected to last at least until the end of the week. Scientists attribute the extreme weather to human-induced climate change, warning that Europe is warming faster than the global average and that such heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe. The UK’s Met Office highlighted the trend as evidence of climate change in action, while advisers urged the government to adapt infrastructure like schools and hospitals to a warming planet. The UK had previously recorded temperatures above 40°C in 2022, marking a historic shift in extreme weather patterns. In France, Meteo-France reported that Monday was the hottest May day since records began, with temperatures between 33°C and 36°C expected to persist. The heat wave has also impacted daily life, melting tennis fans at Roland-Garros and forcing early adjustments to outdoor activities. Authorities across the region are monitoring the situation closely as the heat wave continues to intensify.
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