Weather tracker: deadly May heatwave shatters records across Europe

Europe is experiencing an exceptional heatwave, with multiple countries breaking May temperature records due to a persistent high-pressure system. The UK recorded its highest May maximum temperature at 35.1C, and Ireland also set a new May record. France saw temperatures reach 36C, with seven deaths attributed to the heat. These temperatures are 10-15C above average for this time of year. Meanwhile, southeastern and eastern Australia are under severe thunderstorm warnings for damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and hail, with flash flood warnings also issued.

Portugal recorded its hottest May day ever, reaching 40.3C in Mora, as a heatwave grips western Europe. This surpasses the previous May record of 40C set in 2001. French students are taking exams in schools experiencing extreme temperatures, with one primary school closing due to reaching 53C inside. Italian authorities have issued a red heatwave alert for Rome, anticipating temperatures of 32C. French ministers are meeting to assess preparedness for heatwaves, including plans for forest fires and water supply. The heatwave is expected to persist into the weekend, affecting Germany, Spain, and Switzerland, though temperatures in Portugal are forecast to decrease after Thursday and Friday.

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.

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.