Ireland, UK Shatter May Temperature Records Amidst Early Heatwave; 16 Deaths Reported

Europe, the fastest-warming continent, experienced an extraordinary early-season heatwave, with temperatures rising at twice the global average. This week, Ireland and the UK shattered long-standing May temperature records, an event climate scientists link to human-caused climate change.

Ireland's May record of 28.4C, set in 1997, was surpassed by over two degrees. Shannon Airport recorded 28.6C, then 30.5C within 24 hours. Across the UK, the 1922 May record of 32.8C was broken, with Kew Gardens reaching 34.8C and then 35.1C. New May records were also set in Wales (Cardiff: 32.9C) and Northern Ireland (Thomastown: 24.5C). The UK Met Office noted these temperatures would be exceptional even in midsummer.

The heatwave, driven by a powerful heat dome, arrived during meteorological spring, a time when such events are rare. Peter Thorne, Director of the ICARUS Climate Research Centre, described the temperatures as «mind-boggling». The heat led to at least 16 fatalities: nine drowning/water-related deaths in the UK and seven deaths in France, including five drownings and two heat-related deaths during sporting events. World number one tennis player Jannik Sinner withdrew from the French Open due to dizziness in 33C heat.

Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, called the events «a brutal reminder of the cost of global warming», emphasizing that human-induced climate change makes heatwaves more frequent and intense. Scientists are concerned about the early timing, as people and infrastructure are less prepared for extreme heat in spring, leading to risks like dried soils, increased wildfire danger, and elevated night-time temperatures.