Hottest May in the UK, France: Why temperatures are soaring above 35°C
The UK and France recorded their hottest May days on record, with temperatures reaching 34.8°C in London and 37.1°C near Hossegor, driven by a 'heat dome' and high-pressure systems. Climate scientists warn this extreme heat is virtually impossible in the preindustrial era, while governments assess infrastructure preparedness amid rising fatalities and hospitalizations during early summer events.
Europe is enduring record-breaking heat in late May, with the UK and France experiencing their hottest temperatures for the month. The UK hit 34.8°C at Kew Gardens in London on May 25, surpassing previous May records, while Wales also recorded its highest May temperature at 32.2°C. The Met Office attributed the heat to a high-pressure system trapping warmth, with forecasts predicting up to 35°C in southeast England by May 26. France saw 352 weather stations break May records, including 37.1°C near Hossegor, described as a 'one in 1,000 chance' event by climate scientist Christophe Cassou. The heatwave has strained infrastructure and health systems. In France, a man died during a 10-kilometer race in Paris’s suburbs, and ten others required hospitalization, while a woman died in a Lyon fitness competition. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will convene a crisis meeting on May 29 to evaluate government responses. The UK’s Met Office reported a doubling of days above 28°C and tripling of days above 30°C in the past decade, warning the country’s buildings are unprepared for rising temperatures. Forecasters expect temperatures to remain high until late May, with thunderstorms possible in the UK by May 26. France’s Météo France warned of sustained 33–36°C heat across western regions. Climate advisers in the UK have urged adaptation of schools and hospitals, noting the country’s infrastructure is mismatched to current climate conditions. Only about 5% of UK homes have air conditioning, primarily portable units, exacerbating risks during extreme heat. The heatwave follows 2022’s UK record of temperatures exceeding 40°C for the first time. Scientists link such events to long-term climate trends, emphasizing the urgency of mitigation efforts. Governments are now balancing immediate relief measures with long-term infrastructure planning to address worsening heat extremes.
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