London (AFP) – Western Europe faced another day of record-breaking temperatures Tuesday as a heatwave pushed the mercury well above normal levels for May.
Issued on: 26/05/2026 - 11:32
3 min Reading time
A so-called "heat dome" of warm air from northern Africa trapped under a high-pressure system over western Europe is behind the sort of heat not usually seen until high summer.France's weather agency reported that Monday was its hottest day in the month of May on record -- with Tuesday forecast to be even hotter -- while the United Kingdom also posted unprecedented highs and Italy imposed restrictions on outdoor work.French authorities on Tuesday also reported at least seven deaths linked to the heatwave -- five of which were drownings, as many people sought relief on beaches and other bodies of water.
The United Kingdom's Met Office weather agency said Monday was the hottest May day on record © Henry NICHOLLS / AFP/File
