Record-Breaking Heat Wave Sweeps Across Western Europe

The United Kingdom has exceeded a century-old temperature record twice within 24 hours during a significant spring heat wave impacting parts of Western Europe. The intense heat prompted health warnings due to the severe risks associated with soaring temperatures.

Britain’s Met Office reported a temperature of 35 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) at London’s Kew Gardens and Heathrow Airport, surpassing the previous record of 34.8 C (94.6 F) set a day before. This new mark broke the previous long-standing record of 32.8 C (91.4 F) established in both 1922 and 1944. Meanwhile, Paris saw people seeking relief from the heat along the Seine River.

In France, temperatures peaked at 36 C (97 F) in the southwest and notably remained above 20 C (68 F) overnight. Météo-France attributes this to a ‘heat dome,’ a high-pressure system retaining heat in the region, resulting in temperatures well above the seasonal norm.

“Heat wave events like these are increasingly severe and frequent as a result of climate change,” said Peter Thorne, director of the ICARUS Climate Research Centre in Ireland.

During a long weekend in the U.K., crowds flocked to beaches, pools, and parks, while commuters struggled in non-air-conditioned subway trains. Rail disruptions occurred due to smoke on tracks at Waterloo station. In Edinburgh, firefighters tackled a grass fire on Arthur’s Seat.

The U.K. Health Security Agency issued an amber alert, cautioning people about health risks, especially older adults, during the hottest periods. Many in the U.K. are unaccustomed to such temperatures, lacking air conditioning in homes and workplaces.

Tragically, three teenagers drowned in lakes and reservoirs, and a 60-year-old man died in the sea, according to authorities in the U.K. In France, there have been at least seven deaths potentially linked to the heat, including drownings and incidents during sports events.

With inadequate lifeguard coverage before the summer season, French beachgoers on the Atlantic seaboard faced increased risks, leading to multiple emergencies in the surf. Regional officials urged caution among beach visitors.

Spain also experienced unusual heat, recording temperatures typical of mid-summer despite being May. Seville reported temperatures reaching 38 C (100 F) over the weekend. Significant portions of the Iberian Peninsula faced temperatures well above normal levels, while temperatures in Rome were expected to reach 32 degrees C (89.6 F).