An overview of extreme temperatures around the world for the week 24-31 May.
New heat record for May in UAE – 24 May
The temperature in Sweihan reached 51.6°C surpassing the previous May record by 2°C. The all time station record set on 6 June 2021 is 51.8°C.
Incredible heat in Siberia – 25 May
Notably high temperatures far exceeding typical regional averages for late spring, which are usually below 20°C. Temperatures reaching 34°C and 32°C at 62°N latitude, including 32.9°C in Ust-Kut.
In a previous exceptional heatwave in Siberia in 2020, the prolonged period of heat was analysed by World Weather Attribution who concluded that the extreme event was “almost impossible” without climate change and driven by factors such as jet stream anomalies and melting ice, reducing albedo.
High overnight temperatures in Crete, Greece – 25 May
A truly amazing heat in Crete with very high temperatures remaining through the night and in some cases increasing during the early hours of the morning as shown in the data below with Falasarna, in the north west of the island. The temperature peaked at 37.4°C at 05.00 before dropping to 22.0°C by 11.00. Malia further along the northern coast experienced a temperature of 37.3°C at 08.20.
In March this year, Falasarna experienced an exceptional temperature of 31.7 °C at 04.00. While on 11 January 2021 a temperature of 28.3 °C was recorded with the minimum temperature for the day recorded at 22.6 °C marking both the highest January temperature during a night and the highest January minimum temperature ever recorded in Greece. Such events have been very much accounted for by the presence of localised strong Foehn winds and there is every likelihood of a similar explanation for the latest high overnight temperatures.
High minimum temperatures continue in India and Pakistan – 26 May
The high minimum temperatures seen in both India and Pakistan reflect the ongoing intense heatwave across the region and consistent with reports of extreme heat in recent weeks. The recorded minimums shown below indicate unusually warm nights, exacerbating heat stress
32.6°C was recorded in Phalodi, Rajasthan and in Okha, a coastal town in Gujarat,29.8°C. While in Pakistan 32.0°C was recorded at Nawabshah in the centre of the Sindh province, while at Chhor, 200 km south east of Nawabshah a minimum temperature of 30.8°C was experienced.
The 2025 heatwave has seen temperatures 4–8°C above seasonal norms, driven by a high-pressure dome trapping heat across South Asia. Last year, Phalodi saw temperature of 50°C on 26 May, the highest since June 2019.
Hottest ever recorded temperature in Saint-Louis, Senegal – 27 May
A temperature of 46.6°C was recorded marking the hottest day in the city’s history, with records dating back over 140 years (official ratification. required). This extreme heat was part of a broader heatwave affecting northern Africa, particularly along the Senegal and Mauritania coasts. Saint Louis is located on the coast in Northern Senegal on the border with Mauritania. The temperature matched readings in nearby Podor, Senegal 46.6°C, and was close to highs in Mauritania, such as 47°C in Boutilimit and 46°C in Aioun El Atrouss.
To provide some context of such an extreme heat event, the May average high is 30.3°C with a low of 19.4°C in Saint Louis.
Record breaking Temperatures in Galicia, NW Spain – 29 May
Ourense in southern Galicia recorded a historic high of 38.1°C, marking the highest temperature ever recorded in this particular region of the country for the month of May. Other areas, such as Lugo, reached 33.2°C, with widespread temperatures across the region exceeding 30°C.
Temperatures were at least 7°C above the seasonal average, and some forecasts predicted highs of 34–36°C across Galicia’s interior.
Morning Temperature record for May in Tampa Bay – 29 May
Following the warmest temperature record for May being surpassed last week – 80°F (26.7°C), a new high of 81°F (27.2°C) was recorded on 29 May.
Over 150 Monthly Temperature records broken in France – 30 May
A staggering number of May temperature records were broken across France with particularly high temperatures in the west and south of the country. The highest temperature was recorded at Bégaar in the Landes Department at 37°C, surpassing the previous record of 36.5°C set in 2001.
The area between the Pyrenees and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, saw temperatures frequently exceeding 35°C under sunny conditions with the major cities of Toulouse and Bordeaux breaking records. Toulouse-Francazal recording 34.7°C, breaking the 1943 record of 33.9°C and Bordeaux Paulin at 36.1°C, surpassing the 34.2°C set in 2017. Other notable long standing records included Agen in the Lot-et-Garonne department with a temperature of 34.7°C and just ahead of the previous record from 1946 of 34°C. Temperature records were also broken at higher altitude stations with Superbesse (1287m) in the Massif Central recording a temperature of 25.9°C.
The heat was accompanied by high overnight minimums, with some areas not dropping below 16-18°C, and Mediterranean regions experiencing tropical nights (minimums above 20°C), which is rare for May.
The high temperatures were the result of a broader high-pressure system affecting Europe with a south/southwest flow.
Hottest day of the year so far in the Unites States – 31 May
The highest temperatures of the year in the USA, both recorded in Death Valley, California with 116.1°F – 46.7°C Stovepipe Wells and 115.9°F – 46.6°C at Furnace Creek.
Temperatures in advance of 100°F – 38°C were experienced throughout the state including Red Bluff, 210 kms north of Sacramento recording 105°F – 40.6°C. Temperatures in the wider Los Angeles area exceeded 100°F with downtown Los Angeles recording a temperature of 96°F – 35.6°C.
