An unusual and record-breaking heatwave for the month of May has swept across Western Europe, bringing extreme temperatures, health warnings and at least three deaths in France and the United Kingdom.

In France, a man died during a race in Paris as temperatures in some areas reached 35 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile in Britain, a man died on a crowded beach in Hastings, East Sussex, while a 15-year-old drowned in Swanholm Lakes, Lincolnshire, on the hottest day of the year so far.
Meteorologists warn that the extreme heat wave will continue throughout the week, as a phenomenon known as a "heat dome" is trapping hot African air over Western Europe.

According to Météo-France, this is an “early, strong and sustained heat wave”, with temperatures up to 12 degrees higher than the seasonal average. Cities in western France are expected to break historic May records, while Nantes is forecast to reach 35°C, surpassing the 2017 record.
Spain and Portugal are also bracing for extreme temperatures, with some Portuguese areas expected to reach near 40°C, while southern Spain could reach up to 38°C.

In the United Kingdom, the Met Office has warned of a significant heatwave, with temperatures reaching 33°C. Authorities have issued health alerts, including an orange warning for London, where serious consequences are expected for the elderly and people with health problems.
Last weekend brought historic records in several European countries. Britain recorded its hottest May day in nearly 80 years, with temperatures in London reaching 32.3°C.

Meanwhile, very high temperatures have also been recorded in Italy, Germany and some parts of the Balkans, where the thermometer has reached up to 33°C.
Climate experts warn that such phenomena are becoming more frequent due to climate change. According to French meteorologists, heat waves will appear earlier in the year and become more intense in the future.