Western Europe Scorched by Historic Heat Wave

Western Europe is bracing for its first major heatwave of 2026, with forecasters warning that temperature records could be broken over the weekend and into next week.

A strong high-pressure system, described as a heat dome, is settling over the region and trapping hot, dry air from northwest Africa. The system is expected to drive temperatures far above seasonal averages in Britain, Spain and France.

In Britain, the Met Office has warned that Monday could become the hottest May day ever recorded. Temperatures in southern England and the Midlands are forecast to reach around 33°C, with some models suggesting highs of 34°C. That would surpass the previous May record of 32.8°C, set in 1922.

Health authorities have issued amber heat warnings, stressing the risk to elderly people, those with medical conditions and other vulnerable groups.

Spain is expected to face even more extreme conditions. In the southern valleys of Guadiana and Guadalquivir, temperatures could climb to around 38°C, levels more typical of July or August than late May.

France is also set for unusually high temperatures, with Paris expected to reach around 32°C by midweek. Large parts of the country could see temperatures 5 to 10 degrees above the seasonal average.

The heatwave follows an unusually cold start to May, when Arctic air pushed temperatures below normal across parts of Europe. The sharp swing from late-season chill to early heat is adding to concerns over increasingly volatile weather patterns across the continent.

Forecasters expect the hot conditions to continue at least through the middle of next week, with a possibility that the warm spell could last longer.

Officials are warning of health risks in major cities, as well as added pressure on electricity and water systems.