Europe’s capitals swelter as May shatters heat records

Spring has given way to a fierce preview of summer across much of Europe, with temperatures soaring more than 10°C above historic norms. Météo France blames a “heat dome” — a high-pressure system trapping warm air — for the unseasonable spike. Scientists say human-driven climate change is making such extremes more common and more dangerous.

In Madrid, tourists who packed for cool weather found themselves wilting under near-30°C heat. “We brought layers, expecting spring,” said Marina, visiting from Sydney. Her husband Jim added, “This isn’t what we planned for.” Locals like lottery seller Juanjo Ayuso, who has worked the Puerta del Sol for decades, noted the heat arriving earlier each year. “You drink water, splash your face, but it never stops.”

Paris offered little relief. Darcey, a student living in a top-floor apartment, called the heat “terrifying.” She and her friend Gabby, an environmental geography student from the UK, sought shade in the Marais district. A Brazilian tourist, Barbara, cooling her baby’s feet at a fountain, said the dry heat made her think about the planet’s future. Paris guide Solène now reroutes tours away from sun-baked stretches like the Louvre to Opéra Garnier corridor.

London hit 34°C, shocking visitors like Autumn and Cameron from New Jersey. “Every year England breaks a new heat record — that’s not normal,” Cameron said. A family from Exeter abandoned plans to approach Buckingham Palace’s sun-exposed entrance. Australians Winnie and David noted the city lacks water fountains and shaded spots for tourists.

Dublin saw its hottest May day on record at 29.7°C. Manal Yousseff, visiting from Egypt, packed for rain and wind. “I didn’t expect this,” she said, gesturing at sunbathers. Her husband Dash worried about climate change but welcomed the blue skies.

In Berlin, visitors from Peru and Mexico found the city’s open-air lido a welcome escape. “We’re used to heat, but Berlin has no air conditioning,” said Daniel Sanz. His friend Ana Victoria Acevedo added, “We must act, or future summers won’t be about beach fun — they’ll be unbearable.”