Seven Deaths In France Linked To Record-Setting High Tempatures

At least seven people have died in France during an unusually intense early-summer heat wave sweeping across western Europe, as both France and the United Kingdom recorded their hottest temperatures ever observed for the month of May. Officials said five of the deaths were caused by drowning incidents, while two others occurred during sporting events.

France’s national weather service said Monday was the hottest May day ever recorded in the country, with the average temperature reaching 24.4°C across 30 monitoring stations, surpassing the previous record of 23.7°C set in 1944.

Meanwhile, Spain continued to experience widespread temperatures between 36°C and 38°C in several major valleys, including Guadiana, Guadalquivir, and Ebro. Spain’s state weather agency, Aemet, warned some areas could see temperatures climb as high as 40°C through Friday.

In Italy, officials in the Lazio region, home to Rome, introduced restrictions on outdoor work during the hottest part of the day. The measures apply to jobs involving prolonged sun exposure, including farm work, construction, and delivery services, between 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.