Scorching Heatwave Hits Portugal, Spain, and France: Records Shattered Amid Drought

Record-breaking heat has engulfed southern and central Spain, Portugal, and southern France this week, with temperatures soaring into the mid- to high 30s Celsius.

• Amareleja in Portugal reached a scorching 39.5C (103.1F) on Wednesday, tying the highest May temperature ever recorded in the country.
• El Granado in Spain wasn't far behind, hitting 39.1C, while Canet-en-Roussillon in France peaked at 32.3C.

Forecasts had predicted temperatures in Portugal could climb to 40C on Thursday, which would mark the hottest temperature recorded so early in the year in the country. While it's unclear if this milestone was reached, the heatwave is expected to persist into next week, with high pressure dominating much of Europe.

Impact on Agriculture and Beyond

The unusually dry weather this spring has delayed crops like wheat and corn, raising concerns among farmers in northern Europe. This comes amid the worst drought in decades, exacerbating the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.

Global Heatwaves: Canada Also Feels the Burn

Europe isn't the only region experiencing an early taste of summer. After a chilly spell, Canada has seen temperatures surge, with 35.9C recorded in Ashcroft and Kamloops in British Columbia. The Northwest Territories may also see record-breaking warmth this Friday.

Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast

Meanwhile, the Atlantic hurricane season, running from June to November, is predicted to be busier than normal. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts 6 to 10 hurricanes, with up to 5 potentially reaching major category 3 or above. Last year saw 11 hurricanes, five of which were major.

Sea surface temperatures are higher than usual across the tropical Atlantic, and weak La Niña or neutral El Niño conditions are expected to persist, likely fostering tropical storm development. However, the season's start may be quiet, with increased activity anticipated from mid-June.