As the world faces abnormal climate conditions, the frequency of extreme weather events is increasing. Europe is currently experiencing an unprecedented heatwave, with both the UK and France breaking historical temperature records in May this year. Tragically, reports have emerged of fatalities occurring during sports events in high temperatures. The French government has urged the public to take preventive measures to avoid heat-related illnesses.
On the evening of May 25th, Meteo France announced that temperatures in May had shattered previous records, with many regions in the country recording temperatures exceeding 30°C. In the Landes department near Hossegor in the southwest, temperatures reached a scorching 37.1°C, and such high temperatures are expected to persist into the following week.
This record-breaking heat is attributed to a phenomenon known as the “heat dome,” where hot air from Morocco is trapped under a high-pressure system. Meteorologists warn that such extreme heat events are likely to become more frequent in Europe in the future, occurring earlier in the year and potentially with increased intensity.
Out of the 96 administrative regions in France, 31 have issued heat alerts extending until Tuesday, with 8 of them under an “orange alert” (the second-highest level), urging residents to take precautions. This marks the first time since the national heat alert system was introduced in 2004 that such warnings have been issued in May.
Scientists estimate that the likelihood of heatwaves occurring in Europe in June is about 10 times higher than in pre-industrial times, and this trend is now starting to manifest in May.
Climate researcher Robert Vautard told Agence France-Presse that the heatwave seasons in the future will likely lengthen, with extreme heat events possibly occurring between April and October.
On Sunday, May 24th, French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari expressed condolences to the family of a male runner who tragically passed away in the 20th arrondissement of Paris during a race due to a sudden heart attack, despite efforts by emergency responders.
Although the exact cause of the runner’s death is not confirmed to be directly linked to the high temperatures, Ferrari’s social media post hinted at a possible connection, as the temperature in Paris that afternoon had soared to 32°C.
Ferrari emphasized the need for heightened vigilance in sports activities during extreme heat conditions, stating, “The incident during the race today reminds us that extreme caution must be taken in sports under such high temperatures. I extend my condolences to the family of the runner who tragically passed away in Paris, as well as those who received medical treatment.”
Additionally, local media in Lyon, southeastern France, reported the death of a woman who succumbed to heatstroke while participating in another sports event on May 24th.
Not only France but also the UK has broken records for the highest May temperatures, with many areas experiencing a heatwave. During the holidays, the temperature at Kew Gardens in southwest London soared to 34.8°C, surpassing the records of 32.8°C set in May 1922 and 1944. Residents and tourists flocked to beaches and parks to seek shelter from the heat and find respite in shaded areas.
The UK Health Security Agency issued its first “amber health alert” of the year, warning that elevated temperatures during the hottest part of the day could lead to increased mortality rates, particularly posing a significant threat to the elderly population.
Furthermore, this early summer extreme heatwave has caused temperatures to continue rising in Spain, Germany, Portugal, and other parts of Europe, with some regions expected to see temperatures soar to 40°C this weekend.
(Adapted from reports in The Guardian and Associated Press)