Ireland Records 30.7C in Clonmel, UK Hits 34.8C Amid European Heat Dome

Ireland provisionally broke its May temperature record, with Met Éireann recording 30.7C in Clonmel, Co Tipperary. This comes as a «heat dome» of warm air from northern Africa, trapped under a high-pressure system over Western Europe, drives exceptional heat across the continent.

Met Éireann meteorologist Siobhán Ryan explained that this high-pressure system, occurring at the end of spring, creates settled conditions and allows the same air to heat day on day, leading to a steady temperature rise. The UK also experienced its hottest May day on record, reaching 34.8C in south-west London, two degrees above the previous high.

Temperatures in Spain are forecast to peak at 38C later this week, while parts of Italy have imposed outdoor work restrictions. Scientists attribute these amplified extremes to human-driven climate change, noting that Europe is warming faster than the global average, resulting in more frequent and severe heatwaves. The heat dome is expected to be displaced over the weekend as the Atlantic influence brings more mixed conditions.