France Records Seven Heat-Related Deaths as May Temperatures Reach New Highs

Seven people died in France during an early-summer heat event that affected western Europe, according to a government spokesperson. Five of the deaths were by drowning and two occurred during sporting events. Météo France recorded a national average temperature of 24.4C on Monday, surpassing the previous May record of 23.7C set in 1944.

The highest single reading reached 37.1C near Hossegor in the department of Les Landes. Spain’s state weather service said highs of 36-38C would continue in several valleys, with possible peaks near 40C.

The national heat-warning system had not been activated in May since its introduction in 2004. Officials scheduled a ministerial meeting for Thursday to review preparations after more than 350 weather stations set new monthly records.

France attributed the episode to a heat dome that trapped hot air from Morocco under high pressure. Forecasters said temperatures would exceed seasonal norms by 12-13C on Tuesday and remain elevated for several days. Two deaths occurred on Sunday: a woman died of hyperthermia during a fitness competition in Lyon, and a 53-year-old man suffered a heart attack during a 10 km race in Paris.

Sixteen runners were hospitalized, ten in critical condition, after another race near Maisons-Alfort. Three teenagers drowned during the weekend as people sought relief in rivers and at beaches before lifeguard coverage typically begins in July.