BERLIN - May 2026 was the second-warmest May globally since records began, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. Data compiled by the service showed that Europe experienced a rapid shift from below-average temperatures to one of the most intense early-season heatwaves ever recorded in western parts of the continent.
Temperature Records Broken
The heatwave led to numerous temperature records being broken in May, with France, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Portugal among the countries most affected. Copernicus said the event was consistent with Europe’s long-term warming trend, characterised by more frequent, more intense and earlier heat extremes.
Precipitation Contrasts
At the same time, Europe experienced sharp contrasts in precipitation. Much of western, central and eastern Europe, including Spain and Italy, recorded drier-than-average conditions, while parts of Türkiye, Bulgaria and Moldova were affected by severe flooding.
Globally, May 2026 continued a trend of near-record temperatures in both the atmosphere and oceans, according to Samantha Burgess of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, which operates the Copernicus service.
This data underscores the ongoing impact of climate change, with extreme weather events becoming more common and severe. The Copernicus Climate Change Service continues to monitor these trends, providing critical information for policymakers and the public.
