Europe Experiences May Heat Wave, Breaking Temperature Records

LATE MAY HEATWAVE SWEEPS EUROPE, SHATTERING RECORDS

A severe heatwave gripped parts of Europe in late May, with several countries reporting record-breaking temperatures. The event was attributed to a high-pressure weather system, described by some meteorological services as a "heat dome."

Temperature Records

The UK recorded its hottest day of the year so far on the Monday of the event, with a temperature of 30.5°C in Frittenden, Kent. This was the first time since 2012 that temperatures reached 30°C in May in the UK, according to the Met Office.

Record temperatures were subsequently broken in quick succession:

• On Monday, a temperature of 33.5°C was recorded at Heathrow Airport, exceeding the previous UK May record of 33.3°C set in 1922 and matched in 1944.
• Later on Monday, 34.8°C was recorded at London's Kew Gardens, breaking the record again.
• On Tuesday, the UK recorded a new May high of 35°C (95.2°F) at London's Kew Gardens.

"The UK experienced a 'tropical night' on Monday night, with temperatures not falling below 20°C."

Other high temperatures on Monday included 34°C in Teddington, Middlesex; 33.6°C in Benson, Oxfordshire; and 33.3°C in Wisley, Surrey. Wales set a new May record of 32.2°C at Hawarden Airport, surpassing the previous record of 30.6°C (1944). Scotland and Northern Ireland recorded their warmest days of the year at 25.5°C and 24.6°C, respectively.

• France: Reached 36°C in the southwest on Monday, with night temperatures above 20°C. Météo France described the heat as "unprecedented" for this time of year.
• Spain: Parts of the country experienced temperatures 5 to 10°C above normal. Seville reached 38°C over the weekend. A later forecast predicted up to 40°C in the south.
• Italy: Rome expected a high of 32°C on Tuesday.
• Ireland: Recorded its warmest May day, with 29.2°C in Oak Park, County Carlow.

Forecast

Forecasters predicted continued hot weather, with a potential record high on Monday or Tuesday. Temperatures were expected to reach as high as 33°C in southern England and the Midlands on Monday and 35°C on Tuesday. The Met Office forecast a 35°C peak expected on Tuesday, followed by 31°C on Wednesday and 30°C on Thursday.

Reported Incidents and Deaths

The heatwave was linked to a series of tragic incidents across Europe:

United Kingdom:

• At least four teenagers died in apparent drownings in lakes and reservoirs.
• A 60-year-old man died in the sea in southwest England.
• London's Underground had disruptions due to smoke on tracks near Waterloo station.
• A grass fire broke out Monday evening in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh.
• About 500 properties in Sussex and Kent experienced water supply interruptions due to increased demand.

France:

• French government spokesperson reported at least seven deaths potentially related to heat, including five drownings and two deaths during sports competitions.
• On France's Atlantic coast, two drowning deaths occurred on Sunday at resorts in the Gironde region.

"Officials noted that the heat wave arrived before the annual summer lifeguard schedule, increasing risks at beaches."

Health Alerts and Advisories

UK: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued amber heat health alerts for East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, and South East. According to UKHSA, the amber alert indicates likely increased deaths, particularly among those aged 65+ or with health conditions, and increased demand on health services. Amber heat health alerts were issued on Friday, indicating a possible risk to life.

Expert Commentary and Attribution

• Greg Dewhurst, senior meteorologist at the Met Office, stated that high pressure would dominate through the bank holiday weekend, bringing very warm sunshine across England and Wales.
• Scientists stated that human-caused climate change is causing heatwaves to develop earlier and become more extreme.
• Stephen Dixon, Met Office spokesperson, said climate change is increasing the chances of breaking May temperature records, turning a 1-in-100 year event into a 1-in-33 year event.
• Peter Thorne, director of the ICARUS Climate Research Centre at Maynooth University, stated that while these events are made more likely by climate change, the magnitude of records being set is surprising.

Background Context

• The UK's Climate Change Committee warned that the country is "built for a climate that no longer exists."
• The committee recommended installing air conditioning in care homes and hospitals within 10 years and in all schools within 25 years.
• Over 62,000 people died from heat-related causes in Europe in 2024, the hottest year on record.
• The emerging El Niño could make 2026 and 2027 even hotter.