Europe is facing an unusual spring heatwave, with temperatures crossing 34°C in parts of the U.K., France and Spain. London recorded its hottest May day ever, while authorities issued health warnings and firefighters battled grass fires. Experts say the concern is not just the heat itself, but how early it has arrived, as climate change makes extreme weather events more frequent and intense.

A “heat dome” is forecast to linger across parts of Europe as the prospects of an El Nino continue to firm.

Scientists say record-breaking heat is a reminder of how climate crisis is affecting lives

“What we used to call a July phenomenon is now arriving in mid-May", according to one weather forecaster.

Parts of Spain could also see the mercury climb to 40C by the end of the week

Temperatures hit record highs for May in the United Kingdom and France on Monday, as forecasters warned of a prolonged period of extreme heat across Europe throughout the week.

Extreme heat settles upon western Europe, with values in Spain set to reach 40 degrees

The UK’s Met Office said Monday was the hottest May day on record, with the mercury hitting 33.5C at Heathrow near London by 1pm.

Forecasters warn of a prolonged period of extreme heat across Europe throughout the week.

Heat dome over Europe scorches UK, Ireland, France and Spain

Temperature records are breaking and triggering government warnings, with London hitting 95 degrees the past two days. Experts say unpredictable and extreme weather is becoming…

Western Europe faces record late-May heat, with France, the UK and Spain sweltering up to 11C above normal and officials warning of rising health risks.

Two die in sporting events in France, Spain warns of 'tropical nights' and Britain breaks its May record; before summer even begins, Europe is already baking: 'This is becoming…

The UK and France have registered record May temperatures as western Europe swelters under a "heat dome." Such extremes are occurring more often as the planet warms.

People in western Europe turned to fans and fountains as they sweltered through a record-breaking heatwave Tuesday, with temperatures set to soar even further.

Western Europe faced another day of record-breaking temperatures Tuesday as a heatwave pushed the mercury well above normal levels for May.

Western Europe faced another day of record-breaking temperatures on May 26 as a heatwave pushed the mercury well above normal levels for May.

Firefighters have battled a grass fire in Scotland and several drowning deaths have been reported as a spring heatwave scorches parts of Western Europe

An unprecedented early heatwave in Europe shatters records, causing multiple deaths and triggering urgent government health warnings.

Temperatures toppled seasonal records across Western Europe on Tuesday, triggering government warnings over risks to life.

The British capital's previous hottest May day was set only one day prior, when the mercury topped 33.5C.