The United Kingdom smashed a century-old temperature record for the second time in 24 hours on Tuesday as a spring heat wave continued to scorch parts of Western Europe, triggering government warnings about risks to life. Several drownings were reported in Britain and France as people tried to cool down.
A temperature of 35.1 Celsius (95.2 Fahrenheit) was recorded at London's Kew Gardens, Britain's Met Office weather service said, breaking the 34.8 C (94.6 F) record set a day earlier at Kew. The provisional readings smashed the long-standing record of 32.8 C (91.4 F) set in 1922 and matched in 1944.
London also recorded a rare "tropical night," defined as one in which the temperature does not fall below 20 C (68 F).
Records also fell in France, where temperatures reached 36 C (97 F) on Monday in the country's southwest and widely remained above 20 C at night. The national weather service, Météo-France, said a "heat dome," with heat held in place by a high-pressure weather front, was producing temperatures more than 10 degrees Celsius above what is usual for this time of year.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive climate scientists and environmental advocates point to the extreme weather as evidence that human-caused climate change is making such events more frequent and severe. Peter Thorne, director of the ICARUS Climate Research Centre at Maynooth University in Ireland, said: "We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that heat wave events such as this have been made more likely and more severe due to climate change arising from our emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases." He added that records being set in the U.K. and France are "mind-bogglingly crazy." Climate action advocates argue that the springtime heat demonstrates the urgent need for accelerated emissions reductions and improved infrastructure to protect vulnerable populations from extreme weather.
What the Right Is Saying
Some conservative voices note that weather patterns have always varied throughout history, and single events should not be used to draw broad conclusions about long-term climate trends. Others emphasize practical responses focused on emergency preparedness rather than policy changes. In France, government spokesperson Maud Bregeon addressed the situation by reporting deaths and urging caution without linking the heat wave to specific policy debates. Spanish weather service spokesperson Rubén del Campo described current conditions as temperatures normally seen in mid-summer occurring in May, focusing on immediate public safety messaging.
What the Numbers Show
Britain's Met Office recorded 35.1 C (95.2 F) at Kew Gardens, breaking a 1922 record of 32.8 C (91.4 F). France reached 36 C (97 F) in its southwest region. Seville, Spain hit 38 C (100 F) over the weekend. Rome expected 32 C (89.6 F). Météo-France reported temperatures running more than 10 degrees Celsius above seasonal norms. The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber health alert for large portions of England through Thursday. At least four teenagers and one 60-year-old man died in apparent drownings in U.K. waters. French authorities reported at least seven deaths potentially related to high temperatures, including five drownings and two deaths during sports competitions.
The Bottom Line
Unpredictable and extreme weather is becoming more frequent as Earth warms, according to climate experts. The early heat wave struck before the typical summer window when lifeguards monitor beaches, increasing risks for swimmers. Many homes, schools, and businesses in northern Europe lack air conditioning systems designed for such conditions. Governments across the affected regions have issued health warnings, particularly for elderly populations. Emergency responders are dealing with both direct heat impacts and secondary incidents including grass fires in Scotland and transportation disruptions in London. Weather officials warn that unusual temperature extremes at abnormal times of year pose increasing challenges for public safety infrastructure not designed for such scenarios.