Europe Grapples with Record May Heatwave Amid Fatalities in Sporting Events

PARIS — Europe is facing an unseasonal heatwave that is breaking temperature records, with the United Kingdom setting new highs on Monday, and governments issuing warnings following deaths at amateur sporting events in France.

French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari expressed condolences for a runner who died during a race in Paris on Sunday. Le Parisien reported that the 53-year-old man suffered a heart attack in the capital’s 20th arrondissement, and firefighters were unable to revive him.

While the exact cause remains unclear, Minister Ferrari suggested a possible link to the extreme heat.

Ferrari stated in a social media post: ‘Today’s incidents during running events serve as a stark reminder of the need for extreme caution when engaging in sports during heatwaves. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased runner, and with those receiving emergency care.’

In Lyon, southeastern France, local media Actu Lyon reported on Monday the death of a woman who succumbed to heat stroke during another sporting event on Sunday.

Meteo France, the national weather service, noted that May temperature records are being shattered, with readings exceeding 30°C (86°F) across much of the country and forecast to last into the week.

The United Kingdom broke its record Monday for the hottest temperature in May, after a heatwave was declared in several regions.

Residents and tourists sought relief at beaches and parks, while searching for shade on the holiday as temperatures hit 33.5°C (92.3°F) at London’s Heathrow Airport, surpassing the previous record of 32.8°C (91.4°F) set in 1922 and matched in 1944.

The UK Health Security Agency issued its first amber health alert of the year, warning of a rise in deaths, particularly among the elderly, during the hottest times of the day.

Such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent as global warming intensifies. Experts warn that unprecedented and deadly weather extremes, striking at abnormal times and in unusual places, are putting more people in danger.

Source link