Seven deaths linked to record-breaking May heat in France
Seven deaths were linked to exceptionally high temperatures in France after the country recorded its hottest May day since national observations began, with a national average temperature of 24.4°C (75.9°F) on May 25, 2026.
Image credit: Bastien NVS
France recorded its hottest May day on record as a historic heatwave sizzled large parts of western Europe under a persistent heat dome.
Météo-France said the national average temperature reached 24.4°C (75.9°F) on May 25, breaking the previous record of 23.7°C (74.7°F) set in 1944. The highest reported temperature reached 37.1°C (98.8°F) near Hossegor in the Landes department of southwestern France.
French authorities linked the heat episode to seven deaths. Government spokesperson Maud Brégeon said five of the fatalities were associated with drownings during attempts to cool off, while two deaths occurred during athletic events held during the heatwave.
One woman died from hyperthermia during a Hyrox competition in Lyon, while a 53-year-old man suffered a fatal heart attack during a 10 km (6.2 miles) race in Paris.
Additional medical emergencies were reported during sporting events near the capital. Authorities said 16 people were hospitalized during a road race in Maisons-Alfort near Paris, with 10 reportedly remaining in critical condition.
Météo-France activated orange-level heat alerts for eight western departments and yellow alerts for approximately 20 additional departments as temperatures remained well above seasonal averages. Forecasts indicated temperatures above 36°C (96.8°F) could continue in some regions on May 26.
Meteorologists attributed the event to a strong upper-level ridge that trapped very warm air over western Europe while drawing additional heat northward from Morocco and the Iberian Peninsula. Similar conditions affected parts of Spain and the United Kingdom during the same period.
Temperatures above 35°C (95°F) in late May remain uncommon across much of France and are more frequently associated with midsummer heatwaves. The event developed unusually early in the warm season, when populations are generally less acclimatized to sustained high temperatures.
The UK also recorded its hottest spring day on record, when 13 locations broke the all-time temperature record for May on May 25. Kew Gardens set the new record, reaching 34.8°C (94.6°F), surpassing the previous record of 32.8°C (91.0°F), set back in 1922.
Read more:
References:
1 Seven deaths in France linked to record-high temperatures – The Guardian – May 26, 2026
2 Europe sizzles under ‘heat dome’ as France logs hottest May day on record – France 24 – May 25, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.