EU Climate Service Reports Near-Record Global Temperatures
According to reports, the global average surface air temperature for the month reached 15.81°C (60.45°F), standing 0.55°C above the 1991–2020 average. This made it the second-warmest May on record, surpassed only by May 2024.
Ocean temperatures also remained exceptionally high, with sea surface readings staying close to historic peaks. The tropical Pacific continued to warm, indicating conditions that may develop into an El Niño phase.
Europe experienced a sharp transition during the month, shifting from relatively cooler conditions to intense heat in the latter half. Western European countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Portugal, were hit by one of the strongest early-season heatwaves ever recorded, breaking multiple temperature records for May.
In several areas, “feels-like” temperatures reportedly climbed between 35°C and 40°C, resulting in significant heat stress conditions.
"In Europe, an unusually early and intense heat wave demonstrates how quickly climate extremes are becoming the new normal rather than the exception," strategic lead for climate at ECMWF Samantha Burgess said.
While parts of southern and western Europe, including Spain and Italy, experienced below-average rainfall, other regions such as Türkiye, Bulgaria, and Moldova were affected by flooding.
At the same time, northern Europe and parts of Scandinavia recorded wetter-than-normal conditions. In contrast, much of central and eastern Europe saw widespread dryness, with river levels dropping below average in major systems such as the Danube and Vistula.
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