‘Mind-bogglingly crazy’: climate experts alarmed by deadly spring heatwaves searing Europe

Climate experts are alarmed by deadly spring heatwaves across Europe, with scientists warning of a "new reality" of extreme heat. The UK experienced its hottest May temperature on record, with highs reaching 35.1C, while France activated its national warning system for the first time in May since 2004, linking seven deaths to the heat. These early-season heatwaves are particularly hazardous as bodies have not acclimatized, posing significant risks to vulnerable populations. Scientists attribute these extreme events to an area of high pressure trapping heat, exacerbated by the global rise in average temperatures driven by human-induced climate change. Farmers are also raising concerns about the impact of prolonged heat and drought on crops.

Western Europe is experiencing an exceptionally early and record-breaking spring heatwave. On Tuesday, the UK shattered its century-old temperature record for the second time in 24 hours, with London's Kew Gardens reaching 35.1 degrees Celsius. This new provisional reading surpassed the previous day's record of 34.8 degrees and the long-standing 1922 record of 32.8 degrees. The heatwave has prompted government warnings about risks to life. Tragically, several drownings have been reported in Britain and France as individuals sought to cool down in the extreme temperatures.

An exceptionally early and intense spring heatwave has gripped Western Europe, shattering temperature records and leading to multiple deaths. In the UK, Monday marked the hottest May day on record, with temperatures reaching 34.8 C in London, and a 13-year-old boy died after encountering difficulties in a reservoir. France also saw record-breaking May temperatures, with reports of at least seven deaths potentially linked to the heat, including drownings and fatalities in sports competitions. The heatwave, described as a "heat dome" by Météo-France, is producing temperatures significantly above seasonal norms, raising concerns about public health, especially as many European homes lack air conditioning and lifeguards are not yet on duty at many beaches. Experts attribute these extreme weather events to the increasing frequency of unpredictable and deadly weather due to global warming.

The UK experienced a "tropical night" on Monday, with temperatures at Kenley airfield in south London not falling below 21.3C, breaking the record for the highest daily minimum temperature in May for the second consecutive day. This followed the hottest May day since Met Office data began, with Kew Gardens in south-west London reaching a provisional all-time meteorological spring temperature of 34.8C. Multiple locations across England exceeded 30C, and many areas were expected to reach heatwave thresholds. The Met Office attributes these rapid heat events to climate change. Meanwhile, a fire in Edinburgh's Holyrood Park required overnight firefighting efforts.

An extreme early-summer heat event is impacting Europe, with over 20 towns in France recording their highest-ever May temperatures. The UK also set a national May heat record, reaching 33.5C at Heathrow. This heatwave, caused by a heat dome trapping hot air from Morocco, is expected to last several days and is significantly exceeding normal temperatures. Parts of Spain could see temperatures climb to 40C by the end of the week. Climate researchers suggest such events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, with heatwave seasons extending earlier. France has activated its national heat warning system for May for the first time since its introduction in 2004.

Eastern Australia experienced record-breaking warmth in early May, with daytime temperatures 10-14°C above average in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. This unseasonably warm weather, driven by a high-pressure system and northerly winds, saw numerous locations record their warmest May days. However, this heat is set to dissipate as a cold front, formed by a merging of systems over the Southern Ocean and Western Australia, moves across South Australia and into Victoria and Tasmania. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts thunderstorms, rain, windy conditions, and abnormally high tides over southeastern Australia this weekend and into early next week, bringing significantly cooler temperatures.

London and East Anglia are expected to experience the warmest day of the year so far on Friday, with temperatures potentially reaching 27C. This heat will make parts of the UK hotter than Sydney, Buenos Aires, Tunis, and Honolulu. The Met Office attributes the warm, humid air from the south and sunshine in these regions for the high temperatures, which are about 10C above average for this time of year. However, the rest of the UK, particularly the central spine, may see heavy rain on Friday. The bank holiday weekend is forecast to bring changeable conditions with showers and cooler temperatures, returning to seasonal averages by Monday.