Heatwave in Europe: UK has hottest day in May

The United Kingdom had this Monday (25) the hottest day ever recorded for the month of May, according to the national meteorological service. The temperature approached 35 ºC in the country amid the heat wave that hits Europe, even before the start of summer (Northern Hemisphere).

Kew Gardens, in west London, recorded 34.8ºC this Monday - the highest temperature ever recorded in May in the UK, surpassing the previous record by 2ºC.

At least 13 locations in southeast England have surpassed the old record of 32.8°C, recorded in 1922 and then in 1944.

A study released last year concluded that the chances of this happening have become three times greater due to climate change, the Met Office said.

"This heat would be exceptional in the United Kingdom even in the middle of summer, let alone in May," the agency said.

This Monday was also the hottest public holiday since national Met Office records began in 1884.

The British flocked to outdoor swimming pools and tried to cool off in public fountains.

Near the village of Brockworth in southwest England, competitors braved the heat and a steep hill in the traditional "Cheese Race."

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From Wednesday onwards, temperatures in London are expected to drop slightly, but remain well above average, staying above 20°C.

Heat wave in Europe
Much of Western Europe is recording temperatures between 10°C and 15°C above normal this week.

Paris has reached 30°C in the last three days. Madrid, which normally records temperatures in the 20°C range at the end of May, is expected to reach highs in the 35°C range on several days this week.

*With CNN

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Source: CNN