Temperatures soar across Europe as 'heat dome' drives May records

A high-pressure system trapping warm air from northern Africa over western Europe has triggered an early heatwave, pushing temperatures well above seasonal norms. France recorded its hottest May day on record, with temperatures reaching 33C to 36C, while the UK saw its highest May temperature at 34.8C in Kew Gardens, London—2 degrees above the previous record. Ireland also set a May high of 28.8C at two weather stations. The phenomenon, dubbed a 'heat dome,' has led to restrictions on outdoor work in parts of Italy and accelerated harvests across the region. Spain is expected to peak at 38C later this week, while southwest France saw early beach crowds as temperatures exceeded 30C. A grass fire near Edinburgh sent smoke over the Scottish capital, where temperatures hit 25C. Scientists link the extreme heat to human-driven climate change, stating Europe is warming faster than the global average and such events are becoming more intense. The UK’s Met Office called the heat 'exceptional,' even for mid-summer, and warned it reflects climate change in action. Advisers previously urged the UK government to adapt infrastructure, as 2022 saw temperatures exceed 40C for the first time. Meteo-France confirmed Monday as France’s hottest May day since records began, with temperatures ranging between 33C and 36C. The heatwave follows a record-breaking Monday, with forecasters warning of continued extreme conditions across the continent.