Record-Breaking Heat Across Europe
A severe heatwave swept across Europe on Monday, May 25, with Britain, Ireland, and France experiencing unprecedented temperatures for May. Meteorologists attributed the extreme heat to a ‘heat dome’, a mass of hot air traveling from northern Africa and trapped beneath a high-pressure system over western Europe. In Spain, temperatures are forecast to reach 38 °C later this week, while Italy has already imposed restrictions on outdoor work in affected regions.
In the UK, Kew Gardens in southwest London recorded 34.8 °C—the hottest May day ever documented, nearly two degrees higher than the previous record. Residents and tourists struggled to cope with temperatures that normally hover around 17–18 °C at this time of year. “The weather here is like a mini version of hell. It's boiling. It's like really hot,” said a 10-year-old visitor.
Climate Change Signals
Experts have repeatedly warned that human-driven climate change is intensifying extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods. Meteorologist Greg Dewhurst described the soaring temperatures as evidence of climate change in action, predicting that such conditions may become increasingly frequent.
The UK government, responding to previous climate advisories, has urged authorities to adapt infrastructure to rising temperatures. Britain previously crossed the 40 °C mark for the first time in recorded history in summer 2022. Ireland also recorded its hottest May on record, with Killarney and Clonmel reaching 28.8 °C. Scotland experienced a grass fire near Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh as temperatures climbed to 25 °C.
France on High Alert
Meteo-France reported multiple record-breaking temperatures, prompting heatwave alerts in eight western regions. Bergerac reached 34.7 °C, while Nantes and Angers also recorded unusually high readings. Temperatures in Brittany may reach 32–35 °C, with southern regions possibly touching 37 °C. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu will review government preparedness for the ongoing heatwave.
Outdoor Work Restrictions in Italy
Italy’s Lazio region, including Rome, imposed emergency regulations limiting outdoor work from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm in sun-exposed sectors such as agriculture, construction, and logistics. These measures will remain in force until September 15, continuing restrictions from last year’s heatwave. Spain’s State Meteorological Agency forecasts widespread tropical nights and peak temperatures of 36–38 °C later this week.
