Europe is experiencing an unusual spring heatwave that has already forced several countries to issue health alerts and reinforce preventive measures against the risk of wildfires. The temperatures recorded during May far exceed the usual historical values for this time of year.
In the United Kingdom, thermometers reached 33.5 degrees in the vicinity of Heathrow Airport in London. The figure set a new record for May and surpassed historical records that had been in place since 1922.
Additionally, the British Meteorological Office anticipated that temperatures could approach 35 degrees in central and southern England, as well as in various areas of Wales. The phenomenon is causing concern over its possible impacts on public health and urban ecosystems.
Meanwhile, Ireland is also experiencing exceptionally warm days. Meteorological authorities predict temperatures close to 28 degrees, values that are uncommon for this time of year in northern European regions.
Alerts for fires and extreme temperatures in southern Europe
In Spain, high temperatures are particularly affecting Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, and the Canary Islands. There, meteorological services have issued yellow warnings due to maximums exceeding 34 degrees.
According to specialists, much of the country experienced temperatures between five and ten degrees above the normal averages for May. Additionally, the warm episode is expected to continue intensifying over the coming days.
In Portugal, the thermal increase raised the risk of wildfires in several municipalities of the Algarve and in interior regions. The dry conditions and persistent heat increase the vulnerability of forests and rural areas to potential fire outbreaks.
On the other hand, France remains under yellow alert in 18 departments, including Paris. The heatwave has spread to the north of the continent, bringing temperatures above 30 degrees in wide European regions.
The possible causes of this temperature increase in Europe
Specialists link this extreme episode to a combination of atmospheric and climatic factors. One of the main elements is the presence of a powerful subtropical anticyclone over the Mediterranean, which favors the influx of warm air from North Africa.
Moreover, global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions intensifies the frequency and duration of heatwaves. As a result, events that were once exceptional are starting to occur more regularly in different regions of the planet.
Scientists also warn that the sustained increase in global average temperature alters atmospheric patterns and changes the dynamics of the seasons. This explains why typically summer episodes are appearing increasingly earlier during the European spring.
Furthermore, intensive urbanization and the reduction of green areas enhance the “heat island” effect in large cities like London, Paris, Rome, and Milan, where cement and asphalt surfaces retain high temperatures.
The heat advances over Central Europe and increases environmental pressure
Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic also recorded unusually high temperatures over the last weekend. In several cities, maximums close to or above 30 degrees were reached, accompanied by alerts for possible wildfires.
In Prague, located in Central Bohemia, temperatures far exceeded the normal values for May. Meanwhile, Austria activated heat warnings in Vienna and other regional capitals.
Italy is experiencing a similar situation due to the persistence of the subtropical anticyclone over the Mediterranean. In Milan, maximums of 35 degrees are expected, while Rome and Naples are experiencing practically summer-like conditions.
In light of this scenario, European environmental organizations warn that early heatwaves could become increasingly frequent if global emissions continue to rise and the effects of climate change advance.
