Extreme heat in Europe ‘a brutal reminder’ of climate crisis, UN chief says
Extreme heat in Europe has prompted warnings from the UN climate chief, who described the situation as a stark reminder of the climate crisis. France and the UK have broken temperature records for May, with France expecting peaks of 39C. The UN official emphasized the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
- ▪Thirteen of France's 96 departments were on an orange high temperature alert, with expected peaks of 39C.
- ▪The UK broke its record for the hottest May day twice in one week, reaching 35.1C.
- ▪Authorities in France reported at least seven deaths linked to the extreme heat, while Spain issued an orange weather alert for high temperatures.
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Thirteen of France’s 96 administrative departments were on an orange high temperature alert on Wednesday, with a peak temperature of 39C expected, and 32C in Paris. Photograph: Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenThirteen of France’s 96 administrative departments were on an orange high temperature alert on Wednesday, with a peak temperature of 39C expected, and 32C in Paris. Photograph: Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty ImagesExtreme heatExtreme heat in Europe ‘a brutal reminder’ of climate crisis, UN chief saysSimon Stiell said burning fossil fuels was driving intense heatwaves as UK and France broke temperature records on consecutive daysJon Henley in Paris and Sam Jones in MadridWed 27 May 2026 10.50 EDTLast modified on Wed 27 May 2026 11.05 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on…
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