Europe Faces Exceptional Heat: France Records Hottest May Day, UK Hits 34.8C

Europe is experiencing exceptional heat due to a «heat dome» from northern Africa, pushing temperatures well above seasonal norms. This follows a record-breaking day yesterday, with France logging its hottest May day on record and the UK posting unprecedented highs.

In the UK, Kew Gardens, southwest London, hit 34.8C, two degrees above the previous May record. The Met Office called this heat exceptional even for mid-summer. Spain expects temperatures to peak at 38C later this week, while Italy's Lazio region has imposed outdoor work restrictions between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM until September 15, affecting farms, construction, and logistics.

France recorded its hottest May day since measurements began, with highs of 33C to 36C expected to last until week-end. Paris reached 31.9C on Saturday. A man died during a 10km race in Paris on Sunday, and 10 others were hospitalized after a race in Maisons-Alfort.

Scientists attribute these extremes to human-driven climate change, noting Europe is warming faster than the global average, making heatwaves more frequent and severe. Climate advisers have urged the UK government to adapt infrastructure for a warming planet.