Europe Swelters Under Rare May ‘Heat Dome’ As UK, France Sizzle Amid Record Temperatures

Large parts of Europe are experiencing unusually intense heat for May, with the United Kingdom and France recording record temperatures as forecasters warn that extreme conditions could persist through the week.

Meteorologists say a “heat dome” — a mass of hot air originating from northern Africa and trapped by a high-pressure system over western Europe — is driving temperatures more commonly associated with peak summer.

The UK recorded its hottest May day on record on Monday, according to the Met Office, with temperatures reaching 34.8°C at Kew Gardens in southwest London, surpassing the previous May record by two degrees.

“This heat would be exceptional in the UK even in mid-summer, let alone May,” the Met Office said.

The soaring temperatures

have surprised residents. London, where average temperatures at this time of year typically hover around 17°C to 18°C, has seen conditions more comparable to southern Europe.

Climate experts say such extreme weather is becoming increasingly frequent due to human-driven climate change, which is intensifying heatwaves, droughts and other severe weather events.

Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst described rising extremes as “a good indication of climate change in action,” warning that such temperatures may increasingly become the new normal.

The latest heat comes after UK climate advisers recently warned that Britain’s infrastructure — including schools and hospitals — was designed for weather patterns that no longer exist.

Across the English Channel, France issued heatwave alerts in several western regions, with authorities warning of health risks linked to prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

The weather agency Météo-France placed eight areas under heatwave alert, while temperatures in Paris crossed 30°C for the first time this year, reaching 31.9°C over the weekend.

Several French regions have already experienced record May temperatures, while forecasts suggest highs between 35°C and 37°C in parts of the country later this week.

The heat has also been linked to fatalities. Authorities said one man died during a 10-kilometre race in Paris, while others were hospitalised in critical condition after sporting events held in high temperatures. A 28-year-old woman reportedly died from heatstroke during an athletics meeting in eastern France.

Elsewhere, Spain has warned that “extraordinarily high” temperatures will continue throughout the week, with forecasts predicting peaks of 36°C to 38°C and widespread tropical nights, where temperatures remain unusually warm after sunset.

In Italy, the Lazio region, which includes Rome, has introduced restrictions on outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day. The rules apply to sectors including construction, farming and logistics, limiting prolonged exposure to direct sunlight between 12:30 pm and 4 pm until mid-September.

Experts say the widespread heat across Europe highlights growing concerns over climate resilience as countries face increasingly frequent and intense temperature extremes.