May was the second warmest May ever recorded globally, with an average temperature of 15.79 degrees Celsius, just 0.12 degrees below the record. The temperature was 1.4 degrees above the estimated pre-industrial average. Parts of northwestern Europe experienced an exceptionally dry spring with the lowest levels of precipitation and soil moisture in recent years. In Eastern Europe, eastern Italy, the Balkans, southern Finland, and the north, temperatures were mostly below average, with Bulgaria experiencing one of its three coldest Mays on record. Western Europe was generally warmer than average. The Copernicus Climate Change Service regularly publishes data on surface temperatures, sea ice coverage, and precipitation, based on satellite, ship, aircraft, and weather station measurements worldwide.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the urgency of climate change highlighted by the record warmth and dry conditions, stressing the need for immediate action to reduce emissions and protect vulnerable regions. They highlight the impact on agriculture and ecosystems, especially in areas experiencing drought and abnormal temperatures.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the facts about the temperature records and regional climate variations, providing balanced coverage of the data from Copernicus. They focus on the scientific measurements and the implications for weather patterns without strong editorializing, presenting the information as part of ongoing climate monitoring.
Right: Right-leaning outlets may acknowledge the temperature data but often emphasize natural variability and regional differences, such as cooler temperatures in parts of Eastern Europe. They may downplay the urgency of climate change or question the extent of human influence, focusing on the complexity of climate systems and the benefits of technological adaptation.
