Record European Heatwave Kills at Least Seven in France With Violent Storms Approaching

French government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon reported at least seven deaths potentially linked to high temperatures, including five drownings and two fatalities in sporting events 1. France set an all-time May high of 37.8°C in Charente, with roughly 100 local records broken on May 28, while train cancellations and power cuts were reported across several cities 23. France, Britain, and Portugal each set national all-time May temperature records; the UK peaked at 34.8°C at Kew Gardens, its hottest May day on record 12. Météo-France warned Saturday of localized but potentially severe storms across northern France, with gusts forecast above 80 km/h and temperatures projected to fall 10-15°C across the north and west by Sunday 23.