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In France, authorities placed several western départements under a yellow heatwave alert from Monday lunchtime as temperatures climbed far above seasonal averages. In Nantes, thermometers reached around 34 to 35C, breaking local May records including a high of 34.3C.
Across the Channel, the United Kingdom recorded its hottest May day since national records began. Temperatures reached 34.8C at Kew Gardens in London, surpassing the previous May record of 32.8C set in 1922 and matched in 1944.
Parks, fountains and shaded public spaces filled with residents and tourists seeking relief from the heat, while health officials urged people to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day.
