‘Mind-bogglingly crazy’: climate experts alarmed by deadly spring heatwaves searing Europe
Climate experts are alarmed by unprecedented spring heatwaves in Europe, which are causing significant health risks. The extreme temperatures are linked to a broader climate crisis, with mortality rates from heat exceeding those from car accidents and violence. As Europe braces for more heat, vulnerable populations are particularly at risk without adequate cooling measures.
- ▪Temperatures in the UK reached record highs for May, with a peak of 35.1C in west London.
- ▪In France, the national heat warning system was activated for the first time in May since its introduction in 2004, with seven heat-related deaths reported.
- ▪Experts warn that early-season heatwaves are especially dangerous as bodies have not yet acclimatized.
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A man tries to find respite from the extreme hot weather under the shade of a bush in Paris, as experts warn mankind has ‘permanently shifted the climate’. Photograph: Alice Sacco/ReutersView image in fullscreenA man tries to find respite from the extreme hot weather under the shade of a bush in Paris, as experts warn mankind has ‘permanently shifted the climate’. Photograph: Alice Sacco/ReutersExtreme heatAnalysis‘Mind-bogglingly crazy’: climate experts alarmed by deadly spring heatwaves searing EuropeAjit Niranjan Europe environment correspondentScientists warn of ‘new reality’ of heat extremes that claim three times more lives than car crashes and 16 times as many as murderersWed 27 May 2026 07.00 EDTShareMalcolm Mistry knew it was going to get “very warm, very quickly” on Monday…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — World.
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