'Heat Dome' Drives Record Temperatures in Europe

Forecasters in Europe warned Tuesday of exceptional heat as record temperatures driven by a "heat dome" push temperatures well above seasonal norms across the continent.

The surge follows a record-breaking Monday, with France logging its hottest day in the month of May on record, according to its weather agency, and the United Kingdom also posting unprecedented highs.

A so-called "heat dome" of warm air from northern Africa trapped under a high-pressure system over western Europe is behind the high temperatures not usually seen until high summer.

Restrictions on outdoor work were imposed in parts of Italy, beaches in southwest France filled earlier than usual and farmers reported accelerated harvests as temperatures went beyond 30C across the region.

Scientists say human-driven climate change is amplifying such extremes, with Europe warming faster than the global average and heatwaves growing more frequent and severe.

Temperatures in Spain were expected to peak later this week at 38C, while parts of Italy imposed restrictions on working outdoors.

- FRANCE 24 with AFP