Record Heat Waves Impact Western Europe During Summer

Western Europe experienced intense heat waves this summer, surpassing previous average temperature records for June and July. The European climate agency, Copernicus, reported that the extreme heat, which began in May, has led to significant wildfires, extended drought, and several national temperature records. These conditions have also projected thousands of heat-related fatalities.

Globally, 2026 is currently the third-hottest year, trailing 2024 and 2025. However, with ongoing human-induced global warming and a strong El Niño phenomenon, there’s a growing possibility that 2026 could become the hottest year on record, potentially surpassing 2024, scientists suggest.

Last month, the highest average sea surface temperature for July was recorded across the oceans free of seasonal sea ice, reaching 20.96 degrees Celsius (69.73 degrees Fahrenheit), according to Copernicus. This was partly due to developing El Niño conditions in the equatorial Pacific. The previous record in 2023 was 20.89 degrees Celsius (69.60 degrees Fahrenheit).

For global average surface air temperature, July 2026 was the second warmest on record, tying with July 2024 at 16.90 degrees Celsius (62.42 degrees Fahrenheit), reported Copernicus.

In Western Europe, the June-July average temperature rose to 21.62 degrees Celsius (70.92 degrees Fahrenheit). Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, explained that high-pressure systems trapped the heat over the region. The extreme temperatures exacerbated drought conditions, as parched soils lose their natural cooling ability, allowing heat to accumulate more easily.

Burgess noted, “This situation clearly illustrates how climate change is intensifying heat extremes, causing heat and drought to increasingly reinforce each other.”