Record May heatwave gripsRecord May heatwave grips France, the U.K. and Spain
An unusually early heatwave has swept across France, the United Kingdom and Spain in late May, breaking temperature records and prompting health alerts in several countries.
Weather agencies said the heat has been strongest in western Europe and could intensify further, raising concerns about risks to older people and pressure on public services.
- Europe has warmed faster than the global average in recent decades.
- May heat records are especially notable because many buildings and health systems are still set for cooler spring weather.
- Spain’s Seville is among Europe’s hottest major cities, making early-season extremes there especially punishing.
