Multiple European countries swelter in record-high temperatures

Europe is grappling with record-breaking temperatures as warm air from North Africa sweeps across the continent, bringing summer-like heat in May. Several countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, and France, have reported unprecedented high temperatures for this time of year.

In the UK, the national meteorological service recorded 34.8 degrees Celsius (94.6 Fahrenheit) in southwest London on Monday, marking the hottest May day ever recorded in the country. The Met Office noted on social media that such heat would be unusual even in mid-summer, let alone in May. Ireland also saw record highs, with 28.8 degrees Celsius (83.8 Fahrenheit) measured in two locations.

France's national weather service, Météo-France, reported that temperature records have been broken in multiple cities. The unusually high temperatures are forecast to continue across much of Europe until the weekend. Spain's state meteorological institute has warned of extraordinary seasonal temperatures expected to persist throughout the week.

Scientists emphasize that human-caused climate change is intensifying extreme weather events, leading to more frequent record-breaking temperatures. Climate experts have cautioned the British government that the country's infrastructure is ill-equipped for the current climate reality, urging adaptations for schools and hospitals. This follows a year in which UK temperatures surpassed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) for the first time.

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This heat would be unusual in Great Britain even in mid-summer, let alone in May.