Global temperatures in May rank second-highest on record amid exceptional heat in Western Europe

In May 2026, Western Europe experienced one of its hottest early-year heatwaves, setting numerous May temperature records, especially in France, the UK, Ireland, and Portugal, which faced particularly severe conditions.

Extensive areas of western and central Europe, along with parts of eastern Europe, including Italy and southern Spain, experienced drier-than-average conditions, driven in part by persistent high-pressure systems and extreme temperatures.

May saw a notable contrast between dry and wet conditions. Large areas of western, central, and eastern Europe – including Italy and Spain – experienced drier-than-average weather. In contrast, widespread flooding occurred in Türkiye, Bulgaria, and Moldova. Additionally, parts of northwest continental Europe, northern Scandinavia, Finland, and the Black Sea region had wetter-than-average conditions.

Globally, wetter-than-average conditions in May 2026 occurred across northern and southeastern North America, regions of Asia north of the Indian subcontinent and in western China, and parts of Brazil, southern Africa, and large parts of Australia. In contrast, drier-than-average conditions prevailed in the central United States, large parts of Central Asia, Madagascar, southwestern Australia, and much of South America.

The data show that both land and ocean temperatures remained unusually high compared with long-term averages, and marine heat persisted across several ocean basins.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service noted that sea surface temperatures were particularly striking, contributing to sustained global climate anomalies observed throughout the month.

Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) had warned that El Niño conditions were developing in the tropical Pacific Ocean and would affect weather patterns worldwide, increasing the risk of heatwaves, droughts, heavy rains, and other extreme weather events.