Europe is facing an unusually severe early heatwave, with Britain and France among the countries worst affected as temperatures climb to levels normally associated with the height of summer.
The extreme conditions have been linked to a so-called heat dome, a high-pressure system that has stalled over the continent and trapped hot air close to the surface. Scientists say the episode reflects a broader pattern of more frequent and more intense heat events, made worse by human-driven climate change.
In Britain, where homes, public transport and infrastructure are poorly adapted to prolonged heat, London recorded temperatures of 35.1C, described in the report as the highest ever seen in the city during May. The capital has also experienced tropical nights, with temperatures failing to fall below 21C. The heat has caused severe discomfort on the London Underground, where many trains and stations lack air conditioning. Delays have also been reported, including incidents linked to overheating trains. At home, most Londoners have little protection from the heat, with only a small share of properties equipped with air conditioning. Water demand has risen sharply in parts of south-east England, leading to interruptions in supply, while high temperatures have also been linked to a wildfire at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
The U.K. smashed a century-old temperature record for the second time in 24 hours on Tuesday as a spring heat wave continued to scorch parts of Western Europe, triggering government warnings about risks to life. Several drownings were reported in Britain and France as people… pic.twitter.com/LrRjchTpiz
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 26, 2026
France Reports Heat-Linked Deaths
France is also under pressure, with Paris reaching 39C and authorities reporting several deaths connected either directly or indirectly to the heatwave. Some of the fatalities were drownings, as people sought relief in rivers, lakes and other bodies of water, while others were linked to heat-related complications during exercise.
Spain is facing similarly difficult conditions, with the national meteorological agency warning of exceptionally high temperatures for the season. Parts of southern Spain are expected to reach around 40C, while Germany, Italy and Switzerland are also experiencing unusually hot weather. Scientists warn that Europe’s buildings, cities and transport systems remain poorly prepared for heat of this intensity, particularly when it arrives so early in the year. They also caution that future summers could bring even more extreme conditions, especially if the next El Niño cycle strengthens global temperatures further.
For now, forecasters remain uncertain about when the current heatwave will ease, as the stagnant high-pressure system continues to hold hot air over much of the continent.
Source: protothema.gr
