A severe early summer heatwave has swept across much of Western Europe, causing seven deaths in France and setting new May temperature records in several countries. According to Meteo France, Monday and Tuesday were the hottest May days ever recorded in the country, with temperatures expected to reach up to 39 degrees Celsius this week. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon confirmed that seven people had died from causes directly or indirectly linked to the heat, five of them by drowning.

The heatwave, driven by a high-pressure system trapping warm air over Western Europe, also brought record temperatures to the United Kingdom, where London reached 35 degrees Celsius. Spain’s weather agency Aemet reported that temperatures between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius could persist until Friday, while some areas may hit 40 degrees. In Italy’s Lazio region, authorities restricted outdoor work during peak heat hours. France issued orange and yellow alerts in 42 departments, marking the first time such warnings were activated in May since 2004.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has called a ministerial meeting on Thursday to review government preparedness for the ongoing heatwave.