Early Heat Dome Triggers Record-Breaking Heatwave in France

A heat dome forming over France has sparked an unusually early and unprecedented heatwave this year, according to the National Meteorological Service. This phenomenon has resulted in multiple deaths and cases of respiratory distress and suffocation.

French authorities have issued warnings about the intensification of this heatwave on Monday, coinciding with record-breaking temperatures for the month of May. Heat-related breathing difficulties have been reported during sporting events, including the death of a runner in Paris.

The National Meteorological Service attributes this early heatwave to a "heat dome" over France, described as a high-pressure system trapping hot air arriving from North Africa, as reported by Agence France-Presse.

On Sunday, temperatures exceeded 30 degrees Celsius in various regions, including Paris where the mercury reached 31.9 degrees. Forecasts indicate that temperatures could climb to 35 degrees Celsius on Monday in western France.

The French meteorological agency states that this early heatwave is widespread and may persist at least until the beginning of the following week.

Thirteen departments in western France are currently under a yellow heatwave alert, which is the first level on the warning scale typically activated starting June 1.

The meteorological service noted that this is the first yellow heatwave alert issued in May since the warning system was established in 2004.

On Sunday evening, the Ministry of Sports called for "maximum vigilance during sports activities" and urged all participants, coaches, organizers, and sports facilities to exercise extreme caution.

This advisory followed the death of a participant during a running race in Paris on Sunday. Additionally, approximately ten runners from another race in Maisons-Alfort, a suburb of Paris, were hospitalized in critical condition, according to civil protection authorities.

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion have also disrupted other sporting events across the country.