Western Europe is experiencing an extreme and early spring heat wave in late May, with temperatures breaking records on successive days. A high-pressure system, described as a heat dome, has trapped warm air over the region, pushing readings well above seasonal norms and triggering government warnings.
The United Kingdom and France both reported their hottest ever May days this week. In the UK, the temperature reached 35.1 degrees Celsius at Kew Gardens in southwest London. Meanwhile, temperatures near London hit 35°C, and readings in some areas of France could reach 39°C.
The heat wave has extended beyond these two nations, as Spain and Italy face heat alerts and limits on outdoor work. Scientists say that climate change is making these kinds of extreme heat events more common.
Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, called the event a brutal reminder of the spiralling impacts of the climate crisis. Stiell stated that the main culprit is humanity's burning of coal, oil, and gas, which are the primary drivers of climate change.