France has shattered its all-time May temperature record for the fourth time in three days as an unprecedented spring heatwave grips the country, with officials warning of life-threatening conditions and at least seven heat-related deaths.

Météo-France confirmed Tuesday that temperatures reached 36.5°C in the southwestern department of Landes, surpassing Monday’s record of 35.4°C and marking the highest May temperature since records began in 1947. Forecasters now predict the mercury could climb to 38°C or even 39°C in parts of western France by Wednesday, with 13 departments placed under an orange heatwave alert—the first such warning issued in May in the country’s history.

The heatwave, driven by a "heat dome" trapping warm air over Western Europe, has already claimed seven lives in France, including two individuals who died during outdoor sports activities, according to government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot. Authorities have expanded emergency measures, including cooling centers and water distribution points, as temperatures remain 10-15°C above seasonal averages.

Across Europe, the heatwave has rewritten the continent’s weather history, with over 350 new temperature records set in recent days. The UK matched France’s extremes on Monday, logging its hottest May day ever at 34.3°C in London, while Spain and Ireland also reported record-breaking spring temperatures. Scientists attribute the intensity and early arrival of the heatwave to climate change, which has increased the frequency and severity of such events by at least fivefold, according to the World Weather Attribution group.

Relief is not expected until Sunday, when Météo-France forecasts a general drop in temperatures. Until then, officials urge vulnerable populations—particularly the elderly and outdoor workers—to limit exposure and stay hydrated. The heatwave’s timing, striking before the official start of summer, has raised alarms about preparedness for what climate models suggest could be a dangerously hot season ahead.

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A Spring Heat Wave is Breaking Records in the U.K., Spain and France Authorities in Britain and France warned that unprecedented temperatures — at a time when few expected them — could persist. Climate change has made heat waves more frequent and more intense.

new york times · 4 months ago

Its Still Spring in Europe, but the Heat is Already Breaking Records Authorities in Britain and France warned that unprecedented temperatures — at a time when few expected them — could persist. Climate change has made heat waves more frequent and more intense.

new york times · 4 months ago

⚡A heat wave across #Europe 🇪🇺 has set over 350 new temperature records. High summer temperatures continue over large parts of the continent after new records in the #British 🇬🇧 Isles and #France 🇫🇷, with even warmer conditions expected in the coming days. [Dagens Nyheter]Follow for the latest information

mastodon bot · 4 months ago

EN DIRECT - Episode de chaleur : la France bat un nouveau record pour un mois de mai La vigilance orange va sélargir mercredi, avec un total de 13 départements placés en alerte dans louest du pays. Les températures devraient rester anormalement élevées jusquà dimanche.

liberation · 4 months ago

Heat dome: Heatwave conditions hit France and parts of Europe 🌡️ #France and the #UK on Monday experienced their hottest day in the month of May on record, the countries weather agencies said, warning that Tuesday may be even warmer. The French government said seven people have died due to causes linked "directly and indirectly" to the #heat.

france24 · 4 months ago

Ireland and parts of Europe are experiencing record high temperatures. Heres what you need to know With climate change, such extreme weather events happen with more ferocity and could lead to deaths

irish times · 4 months ago

Est-il vrai que lépisode de chaleur dans lHexagone na rien d«exceptionnel», comme laffirme Pascal Praud sur CNews ? Météo France a annoncé que lundi «a été la journée la plus chaude» pour un mois de mai depuis le début de ses mesures en 1947. De nouveaux records de température devraient être franchis ce mardi 26 mai.

liberation · 4 months ago

EN DIRECT - Vague de chaleur : Météo France anticipe «38°C, voire 39°C dans certaines régions» ces prochains jours La vigilance orange va sélargir mercredi, avec un total de 13 départements placés en alerte dans louest du pays. Les températures devraient rester anormalement élevées jusquà dimanche.

liberation · 4 months ago

UK Heat Wave Could Break May Temperature Record Forecasters warned that temperatures could climb to the highest level ever recorded in the month of May, reaching 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas of England.

new york times · 4 months ago

EN DIRECT - Episode de chaleur : Météo France anticipe «38°C, voire 39°C dans certaines régions» ces prochains jours Les températures maximales attendues ce mardi 26 mai après-midi, de 33 à 36 °C dans les départements en vigilance orange «canicule», sannoncent inédites pour un mois de mai.

liberation · 4 months ago

Europe swelters under unusually early heatwave An unusual spring heatwave continues to scorch parts of Western Europe, driven by a "heat dome" which has pushed temperatures well above seasonal norms across the continent. France and the UK have broken temperature records for the month of May and the French government spokesperson said that seven people are believed to have died directly or indirectly because of the heat - including two people whod been taking part in sporting activities.

france24 · 4 months ago

EN DIRECT - Canicule : une baisse généralisée des températures attendue dimanche par Météo France Les températures maximales attendues ce mardi 26 mai après-midi, de 33 à 36 °C dans les départements en vigilance orange «canicule», sannoncent inédites pour un mois de mai.

liberation · 4 months ago