Record-breaking heatwave strikes France in May

France is currently experiencing an early and significant heatwave caused by a thermal dome trapping hot air from North Africa. On Sunday, temperatures exceeded 30°C in many regions, with at least ten meteorological stations recording new May highs, including 29.8°C in Brest. In Paris, temperatures reached 31.9°C on Saturday. Consequently, 13 western regions were placed on a yellow heat alert, marking the first time such a warning has been issued in May since the alert system was established in 2004. Tragically, one person died during a footrace in Paris, and approximately ten other runners in a suburban race required hospital treatment. Météo-France stated that the heat is expected to intensify, with temperatures potentially reaching 35°C in western France, and the conditions are likely to persist until at least the beginning of next week.