‘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.

Seven people have died in France due to an extreme early-summer heatwave, with five deaths attributed to drowning and two from sporting events. France and the UK recorded record-high temperatures for May, with France's national average hitting 24.4C. The heatwave, caused by a heat dome, is expected to continue and is linked to climate change, making such events more frequent and intense. Authorities have issued high-temperature alerts in several French departments, and restrictions on outdoor work have been imposed in Italy.

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.

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.