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Heatwave raises temperatures to historic levels in May, pressures United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Portugal, and reinforces alert on health, fires, and accelerated warming of Europe
The heatwave in Europe raised temperatures to historic levels at the end of spring, with simultaneous records in the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Portugal. The phenomenon, associated with a strong heat dome, left thermometers up to 15°C above average and increased alerts for health, fires, and pressure on public services. This article was based on this report from O Globo.
Heatwave in Europe breaks record in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom recorded, last Tuesday, the hottest May day since the beginning of meteorological measurements. According to the Met Office, London reached 35°C, surpassing historical marks for the month.
In France, Nantes recorded between 34°C and 35°C. Paris is expected to exceed 32°C in the coming days, while Spain and Portugal face temperatures close to 40°C.
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The combination of intense heat in several countries at the same time increases the concern of authorities because it amplifies health risks, favors fires, and can pressure public services during the period.
Heat dome traps hot air over the continent
The episode is linked to a heat dome, a high-pressure system that acts as an atmospheric lid. This blockage makes it difficult for hot air to disperse and keeps temperatures elevated for longer.
This type of configuration favors longer and more intense heatwaves. This week, the phenomenon helped raise thermometers to unusual levels for May, even before summer advances on the continent.
Meteorologists point out that high-pressure systems have remained longer over Europe.
This creates conditions for persistent heat, with direct effects on the population, infrastructure, and areas prone to fires.
Europe warms faster than the global average
Extreme heat reinforces a warning observed by scientists: Europe is the fastest-warming continent on the planet.
Data from the European climate service Copernicus indicate that the average European temperature has already risen about 2.5°C since the pre-industrial period.
In the rest of the world, the average warming is around 1.4°C. This difference helps explain why intense heat events have attracted so much attention on the continent.
Part of the explanation lies in the proximity to the Arctic, a region that warms faster than any other. With less ice and snow, the surface reflects less solar radiation and absorbs more heat.
Less snow, high pressure, and reduced pollution help explain the scenario
The reduction of snow during winter also contributes to heat retention on the continent itself. With less reflective coverage, Europe accumulates more energy throughout the year.
Another factor cited by meteorologists is the drop in atmospheric pollution since the 1980s. With fewer suspended particles to reflect part of the solar radiation, more heat reaches the surface.
Peter Thorne, director of the Icarus Climate Research Center at Maynooth University in Ireland, stated that heatwaves like this have become more likely and more severe due to climate change.
Reports from Copernicus indicate an increase in the frequency of droughts, wildfires, floods, and extreme heatwaves in Europe.
European researchers also indicate that more than 62,000 people died from heat-related causes on the continent in 2024, the hottest year ever recorded globally.
This article was prepared based on information from the Met Office, the European climate service Copernicus, and statements by Peter Thorne from Maynooth University, with data, numbers, and statements preserved as per the consulted material.
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