Record-breaking heatwave in Europe in May 2026: Temperature records set in several countries

In late May 2026, Western Europe was hit by an abnormal heatwave with temperatures 10°C above normal and new monthly records. Find out which countries were hit hardest, what temperatures were reached, and whether the heat will continue this week

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Over the weekend of May 23–24, Western Europe was hit by its first significant heatwave. Temperatures in Portugal, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom exceeded all seasonal norms, and new monthly records for May were set in hundreds of locations. This was reported by The Guardian. According to meteorologists’ forecasts, the abnormally hot weather will continue throughout this week.

Read also: How to save money while traveling in Europe — 8 tourist mistakes that make you overpay.

Temperature records: what did meteorologists record?

The heatwave turned out to be exceptionally intense. In Paris and London, temperatures reached 32°C, in southwestern France — up to 35°C, and in the Spanish regions of Guadiana and Guadalquivir — up to 38°C. In Spain, in particular, 38-degree heat was recorded as early as Thursday, before the main peak of the heatwave.

The French meteorological service Météo-France stated that records for the highest May temperature in the country were almost certainly set—the previous record was 30.5°C and was recorded in 2025. The record for the highest average daily temperature across France in May—22.8°C, set in 2017—was also likely broken. Temperatures in some cities, including Nantes and Brest, exceeded previous records by three to four degrees or even more.

In the UK, meteorologists issued an “extreme” heat warning for the weekend, and on Monday temperatures could reach 33°C—higher than the UK’s previous May record of 32.8°C, set back in 1944. Some parts of the country experienced more than three consecutive days with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 28°C, depending on the region.

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Why did this happen?

The cause of the abnormal warming was a specific atmospheric phenomenon—a heat dome. Hot air from Morocco came under the influence of a powerful high-pressure anticyclone, which blocked its movement and caused a sharp spike in temperatures across Southern and Central Europe. Météo-France meteorologists described the temperatures observed, particularly in Brittany, as “quite striking for the start of the pre-summer season.”

Météo-France directly links this heatwave to global climate change.

Europe—the continent warming the fastest in the world—may face such phenomena with increasing frequency. Meteorologists emphasize that such heat events will not only become more frequent but also more intense and occur earlier and earlier in the year.

Tip: If you’re planning a trip to Spain, France, or the UK this week or in the coming months, you should make sure to pack not only sunscreen but also travel insurance. Heatstroke and other consequences of extreme heat are a real risk that should be covered by your policy. You can quickly purchase travel insurance online for trips abroad via the Visit Ukraine platform.

We remind you! European cities are increasingly adapting parks and public spaces for tourists with pets. Many popular locations already have special dog zones, drinking fountains for animals, pet-friendly cafes, and large green areas for walks. In this article, we’ve compiled the best city parks in Europe for relaxing with your dog, as well as practical tips for a comfortable trip with your pet.

Photo: Freepik

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