Western Europe Hit by Heatwave as May Records Fall

Western Europe is bracing for extreme heat brought on by a so-called heat dome. In Spain and Portugal, temperatures are expected to climb to nearly 40C, while southern Spain is expecting 38C. France, Belgium and Britain are also reporting hotter-than-average conditions.

France's meteorological service has warned of an "an early, remarkable and lasting heat wave", with temperatures more than 12 degrees above the seasonal norm for May. Several cities may break historical records, with Nantes expecting highs of 35C.

Britain's Met Office has warned of "a notable heatwave" with temperatures of up to 33C, which would set a new May record. Belgium expects highs of up to 31C.

A heat dome forms when hot air from North Africa becomes trapped under a high-pressure system over western Europe. French meteorologists warn that such phenomena will become more frequent, arrive earlier and grow more intense as a result of climate change.

Britain has already issued health warnings, particularly for London, where authorities expect an increased risk of deaths among the elderly and infirm.

(politico, bak)