Western Europe is bracing for an unusual and early extreme heat wave, as forecasters warn that temperatures could rise more than 10 degrees Celsius above average in May, breaking long-standing records in some countries, reports Anadolu.

Temperatures in Portugal, Spain, France and the United Kingdom are expected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius on Friday and throughout next week, with 32 degrees Celsius predicted in Paris and London and up to 35 degrees Celsius in southwest France.

In Spain, temperatures could reach 38 degrees Celsius in the Guadiana and Guadalquivir regions.

French weather service Meteo-France said the extremely high temperatures are being caused by a “heat dome” stretching from Morocco, through the Iberian Peninsula, to France.

“Since Thursday, May 21, warm air has started gradually ascends over France, through the Iberian Peninsula, and remains trapped under high pressure,” Meteo-France said meteorological.

The French meteorological agency said records will “almost certainly” be broken for both the highest temperature recorded in May in France and the highest average daily temperature this month.

Meanwhile, the UK Met Office said temperatures in Britain could locally reach 33C on Monday, surpassing May’s current record of 32.8C. Celsius recorded in 1944.

“Extreme” health warnings have been issued in parts of Britain for the weekend, while some areas could officially enter a heatwave if temperatures stay above 26 to 28 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days, depending on the region.

Source: prizrenpost