Europe Records High Temperatures in Late May

Italy placed Rome, Florence, Bologna and Turin on the highest health alert level after readings reached 31 to 33 degrees Celsius. The United Kingdom recorded 35.1 degrees Celsius in southwest London, a May record according to the national meteorological service. Temperatures in parts of Britain were reported 17 degrees above seasonal averages.

Spain reported readings above 38 degrees Celsius in several southern regions, with Badajoz reaching 38 degrees Celsius for the first time in 71 years of records for this period. Forecasts indicated possible peaks near 40 degrees Celsius in Andalusian valleys.

Portugal recorded temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius in multiple regions under the same high-pressure system drawing air from North Africa.

Belgium also measured temperatures several degrees above late-spring norms. Meteorologists attributed the pattern across northwestern Europe to the anticyclone affecting southern areas. Health alerts and temperature records were issued or measured between May 26 and May 27.