PARIS: The world recorded its second-hottest May on record, according to new data released by climate experts. The report highlighted unusually high temperatures across several regions, especially in Europe, where an early heatwave affected millions of people.
Scientists said the hottest May on record remains May 2024. However, this year’s temperatures were only slightly lower, making it the second warmest May ever measured.
According to the European Union’s climate monitoring service, western Europe experienced an intense heatwave much earlier than expected. Several countries reported record-breaking temperatures during the month.
Britain, France, Ireland, and Portugal all recorded unusually high temperatures. Experts linked the extreme conditions to a heat dome that carried warm air from northern Africa into Europe.
The climate monitor stated that the hottest May conditions developed rapidly. Cooler weather at the start of the month quickly changed into one of the strongest early-season heatwaves ever observed in western Europe.
Researchers said the sudden shift gave people, crops, and ecosystems little time to adapt. The rapid increase in temperatures raised concerns about public health and agricultural impacts.
During the heatwave, “feels-like” temperatures reached between 35°C and 40°C across many parts of Europe. Climate experts warned that such extreme events are becoming more common.
Officials described the hottest May trend as another sign of climate extremes becoming a regular feature rather than a rare occurrence. They noted that weather patterns across Europe are changing faster than expected.
Globally, the average surface air temperature reached 15.81°C during May. This was the second-highest temperature recorded for the month. Sea surface temperatures also ranked as the second highest on record.
Scientists said ocean temperatures remain elevated as weather conditions continue moving toward an El Nino pattern. El Nino is a natural climate event that often increases global temperatures and affects weather systems worldwide.
Climate forecasts suggest the upcoming El Nino could become one of the strongest ever recorded. Experts warned that it may push global temperatures to new records by 2027.
According to recent estimates, there is an 80 percent chance that El Nino will develop between June and August. Such conditions could increase the risk of droughts, floods, heatwaves, and other extreme weather events.
In other news read more about Extreme Hot Weather Grips Pakistan As Temperatures Soar Up To 48°C
The last major El Nino contributed to making 2023 the second-hottest year on record, while 2024 became the warmest year ever measured. Scientists say the latest hottest May figures show that global temperatures continue to remain at exceptionally high levels.
