Europe Records Hottest May Temperatures as Heat Kills Two in France

Parts of Europe recorded their hottest May temperatures on record Monday as unseasonal heat prompted government warnings after two deaths at amateur sports events in France. The French sports minister, Marina Ferrari, posted condolences after a 53-year-old runner died Sunday during a race in Paris.

Le Parisien reported the man suffered a heart attack in the capital’s 20th arrondissement and could not be revived by firefighters.

Lyon, local media reported a woman died of heat stroke during another sports competition on Sunday. It was not immediately confirmed whether either death was directly caused by the heat. Meteo France said temperatures exceeded 30 C (86 F) across much of the country and are forecast to remain elevated through the week.

The United Kingdom set a new May record Monday when the temperature reached 33.5 C (92.3 F) at London’s Heathrow Airport. The previous record of 32.8 C (91.4 F) had stood since 1922. Residents and visitors sought shade at beaches and parks during the holiday.

The U.K. Health Security Agency issued its first amber health alert of the year, warning of increased deaths, especially among the elderly, during peak heat hours.

“The events that occurred today (Sunday) during running races are a reminder that practicing sports in extreme heat requires absolute vigilance." — Marina Ferrari, French sports minister, via X post. Meteo France data showed the heat wave is breaking long-standing monthly records in multiple regions. Officials urged caution for outdoor activities as temperatures are expected to stay high into the coming days.”