Europe Gripped by Severe Heatwave as Countries Shatter Temperature Records

Brussels: Large parts of Europe are experiencing extreme heatwave conditions, with temperatures soaring far above seasonal averages and several countries recording new temperature highs.

Meteorologists have warned that the continent is facing one of its most intense early-summer heat events in recent years, with new records being broken almost daily across Europe.

France recorded its hottest May day on record, while the UK, Italy and Spain are also experiencing unusually high temperatures.

In France, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu convened a ministerial meeting to review government preparations for the ongoing heatwave.

Meanwhile, temperatures in Spain are expected to climb to 38°C later this week, while parts of the United Kingdom have already experienced temperatures above 40°C in recent years.

Ireland Breaks Longstanding May Temperature Records

Dublin: Met Éireann has confirmed that Ireland has broken several previous May temperature records amid the ongoing heatwave.

The latest record temperature of 30.5°C was recorded at Shannon Airport in County Clare.

This surpassed the earlier May record of 29.7°C recorded at Oak Park in Carlow, as well as the longstanding national May record of 28.4°C set in Ardfert, County Kerry, in 1997.

A yellow heat warning has been issued for eight counties — Clare, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, Kilkenny, Laois and Offaly — with temperatures expected to remain between 22°C and 30°C.

Night-time temperatures are also expected to remain unusually high, staying above 15°C in some areas.

Health and Safety Concerns Increase

Met Éireann warned that the prolonged heat could lead to heat stress, dehydration, sleeping difficulties and water safety risks as more people head to beaches, lakes and outdoor locations.

The agency advised the public to remain “sun-smart” by using sunscreen, staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure during peak daytime hours.

Irish Cancer Society also urged people to protect themselves from harmful ultraviolet radiation by using high-SPF sunscreen, wearing sunglasses and lightweight clothing, and staying in shaded areas whenever possible.

Scientists Warn Climate Change Is Intensifying Extreme Weather

Climate experts say Europe is warming faster than the global average and that heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to human-driven climate change.

Scientists believe the current conditions are being caused by a “heat dome” — a large mass of hot air from North Africa trapped over Western Europe by a high-pressure system.

They warn that climate change is increasing the intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts and floods.

Wildfire Fears Rise Across Southern Europe

Authorities in several European countries have raised concerns about the growing risk of wildfires as temperatures continue to rise.

Wildfires have already been reported in parts of France and Spain, while officials warn that conditions remain highly dangerous.

The major European wildfires of 2025 were among the worst recorded in recent history, with reports indicating that more than one million hectares of forest were destroyed.

In parts of Italy, outdoor activities and work restrictions have been introduced due to the extreme heat.

New Heat Records in London and Paris

The Met Office confirmed that London has broken its hottest May temperature record for consecutive days.

Temperatures at Heathrow and Kew Gardens reached 35°C, surpassing the previous record of 34.8°C set only a day earlier.

In Paris, temperatures climbed above 31°C for the first time this year, while France recorded a national average temperature of 24.8°C — another historic high for May.

Deaths and Transport Disruptions Reported

Authorities across Europe have also issued health alerts and thunderstorm warnings linked to the heatwave.

Several deaths related to open-water swimming incidents have been reported in Britain in recent days.

Rail services in parts of the UK were disrupted after speed restrictions were imposed on tracks because of extreme temperatures.

Spain Faces “Tropical Nights”

In Spain, the national weather agency AEMET warned that exceptionally high temperatures are expected to continue throughout the week, particularly across southern and southwestern regions.

Forecasters say “tropical nights” — where overnight temperatures remain unusually warm — are likely in parts of southwestern Spain, with daytime temperatures expected to range between 36°C and 38°C through the end of the week.

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