Seven dead as early-summer heatwave grips Europe

Seven people have died in France in incidents linked directly or indirectly to an ongoing early-summer heatwave, as large parts of western Europe continue to experience unusually high temperatures.

French junior energy minister Maud Brégeon said on Tuesday (26 May) that five of the deaths involved drownings in lakes, rivers or at beaches. Two others occurred during sporting activities.

“What I can say today is that there have been seven deaths linked directly or indirectly to the heat,” Brégeon said on French television channel TF1.

France records extreme early-summer heat

France has experienced higher-than-average temperatures since Saturday, with conditions expected to continue through Wednesday and Thursday, according to Météo-France.

Much of Brittany has been placed under an orange heat warning, the second-highest alert level, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 36C on Tuesday afternoon.

The government has ordered local authorities to strengthen safety measures at outdoor sporting events, as officials warn of heightened health risks during the heatwave.

Record May heat across Europe

The heatwave has affected several countries across Europe, with record or near-record temperatures reported in multiple regions.

In the UK, the Met Office said Monday (25 May) was the hottest May day on record, with temperatures reaching 34.8C at Kew Gardens in south-west London. Forecasters described the reading as “exceptional in the UK even in mid-summer.”

In Spain, the state weather agency Aemet said widespread highs of 36C to 38C had been recorded across the Guadiana, Guadalquivir and Ebro valleys, with temperatures in some areas expected to approach 40C. The agency warned the extreme heat could persist until later in the week.

In Italy, authorities in the Lazio region, which includes Rome, have imposed restrictions on outdoor work during the hottest part of the day. Activities involving prolonged sun exposure, including construction, farming and delivery work, are restricted between 12.30pm and 4pm local time.

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Heat dome driving prolonged conditions

Météo-France said the extreme temperatures were being driven by a heat dome from Morocco, trapping warm air over much of western Europe. The agency warned such events were likely to become more frequent and more intense in future.

Officials across affected countries have urged people to limit exposure during peak heat hours and take precautions, particularly vulnerable groups.

The heatwave is expected to continue in the coming days, with forecasters warning that further temperature records could still be broken.

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