May 2026 Ranks as Second-Hottest on Record Amid Early European Heat Wave
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 makes it the second-highest value ever recorded for May, with only May 2024 registering higher temperatures.
Sea surface temperatures also remained close to record levels, with the tropical Pacific continuing to warm as conditions point toward a possible developing El Niño pattern.
Across Europe, weather patterns shifted rapidly from relatively mild conditions to intense heat during the latter half of the month. Countries in western Europe, including France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Portugal, experienced one of the strongest early-season heat waves on record, with multiple temperature records broken for May.
In several areas, “feels-like” temperatures reportedly climbed between 35°C and 40°C, creating significant heat-stress conditions and raising concerns over public health and environmental impacts, according to reports.
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