Western Europe is sweltering under a fierce and unprecedented heatwave, with France, Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom all recording temperatures close to 40°C an extreme spike rarely seen in May. All information has been verified with a trusted, up‑to‑date source.
The heatwave, which began last Thursday, has shattered long‑standing temperature records across the region. In France, the national weather agency reported that temperatures in Paris have hovered around 35°C for four straight days, while several towns and rural areas have soared to 39°C. Meteorologists warn there is no immediate sign of relief.
Portugal has endured four consecutive days where temperatures have not dipped below 30°C, prompting yellow heat alerts across six districts. Spain is facing similar conditions, particularly along its northern coast, where temperatures have remained locked around 34°C. The Spanish weather service described the situation as “abnormally high” for this time of year, with the heat expected to persist throughout the week.
The United Kingdom has also been hit by an early‑season heatwave, with temperatures climbing to 35°C in several regions an extraordinary event for May, when the mercury typically stays well below 20°C.
Western Europe is generally known for its mild spring climate, making this heatwave even more alarming. The previous May temperature record across these four countries dates back to 1922, when the average peak reached 32°C. That record has now been decisively broken.
Scientists say such extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense as global temperatures rise, placing added pressure on public health systems, agriculture and energy infrastructure.
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