May 2026 was the second-warmest May globally since records began, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Europe experienced a rapid shift from below-average temperatures to one of the most intense early-season heat waves ever recorded in western parts of the continent, data compiled by the monitor showed.
The heatwave led to numerous new temperature records for May, with France, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Portugal among the worst affected.
Copernicus said the event was consistent with Europe's long-term warming trend, marked by more frequent, more intense and earlier heat extremes.
At the same time, the continent saw sharp contrasts in precipitation, with much of western, central and eastern Europe, including Spain and Italy, experiencing drier-than-average conditions, while parts of Turkey, Bulgaria and Moldova were hit by severe flooding.
