Editorial photo #13755884 Weather
Toulouse: First Heatwave Of The Year Due To Global Warming
A woman cools off on the Garonne river banks amid a heatwave in Toulouse, France, on May 27, 2026. France experiences its first heatwave of the year, with temperatures in Toulouse reaching 37?C. The heatwave is notable for its early occurrence and intensity, with numerous temperature records surpassed, particularly in the southwest. France is experiencing temperatures 8 to 15?C above the May average. The heatwave is attributed to a phenomenon known as a heat dome, where hot air is trapped by cooler air. This event coincides with climate experts' concerns that limiting global warming to +1.5?C, as agreed in 2015 during the COP21 in Paris, may not be achievable. France's current temperatures are 2.2?C above the 1950-1990 average. Southern Europe is also experiencing unusually high temperatures. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)