Paris Bakes in Unseasonable May Heatwave
Temperatures in Paris surged to a sweltering 34°C (93.2F) on Tuesday, as a "heat dome" settled over Western Europe, bringing conditions more typical of high summer than late spring.
"People are seeking shade everywhere, comparing the conditions to what you'd expect in mid-August."
— Hugh Schofield, BBC Paris correspondent
France's national weather service reported that the heat dome has pushed temperatures 10 to 15 degrees Celsius above the May average, creating a sudden and intense heat event across the region.
The timing caught many off guard, including tourists who specifically chose spring travel to avoid extreme heat.
Brent, a tourist from Australia, said he selected Paris in May deliberately to escape the summer heat, noting that June, July, and August can be "really bad" in the city.
As the heatwave continues, residents and visitors are advised to stay hydrated and seek shade during peak afternoon hours.