Western Europe swelters in record-breaking May heatwave

Western Europe is grappling with an intense heatwave, shattering temperature records for May. A "heat dome", a mass of warm air trapped by a high-pressure system, is responsible for the unseasonably high temperatures. France's national weather agency reported its hottest May day on record on Monday, with Tuesday forecast to be even hotter. The United Kingdom also experienced unprecedented highs, while Italy implemented restrictions on outdoor labor.

The extreme heat has tragically led to at least seven deaths in France, according to government officials. Five of these fatalities were drownings, as many people sought to cool off in beaches and other bodies of water, despite many areas not yet having lifeguard supervision. "We were just wondering this morning whether the beach was supervised," said Thomas Dupuy, who was visiting a beach with his young children. "I'm extremely careful for myself, for my children who can't swim yet," he added, citing the dangers of Atlantic currents.

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We were just wondering this morning whether the beach was supervised. I'm extremely careful for myself, for my children who can't swim yet. We know the currents can pull you out, the Atlantic beaches are dangerous.

Scientists emphasize that human-driven climate change is intensifying such extreme weather events, making heatwaves, droughts, and floods more frequent and severe. Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst stated that the rise in extreme temperatures is a "good indication of climate change in action" and is likely becoming "the new norm." Ireland also recorded a record May temperature of 28.8C at two weather stations, while a grass fire broke out near Edinburgh in Scotland, which saw temperatures climb to 25C.

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a good indication of climate change in action