Western Europe saw hottest June-July on record as climate change fuels drought, wildfires
Summary
Western Europe experienced its hottest June and July on record, with an average temperature of 21.62°C, surpassing the previous 2022 record. This extreme heat has caused severe droughts and wildfires in several countries, driven by climate change and an ongoing powerful El Nino weather pattern.Key Facts
- Western Europe's combined average temperature for June-July 2026 was 21.62°C, the highest ever recorded for this period.
- The region faced a summer of heatwaves, drought, and wildfires, including severe fires in France and Spain.
- Soil moisture levels were much lower than in the previous drought year of 2022, worsening dry conditions.
- Major rivers such as the Seine, Rhine, and Danube had unusually low water levels, affecting transport, irrigation, and energy.
- Europe is the fastest-warming continent, with climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme heat and drought.
- The world’s ocean surface temperatures also hit record highs for the second month in a row, influenced by marine heatwaves and a strong El Nino event.
- El Nino is a natural climate pattern that raises Pacific Ocean temperatures and can cause extreme weather globally, adding to climate change effects.
- The combination of heat and drought is causing more wildfire-prone weather conditions across Europe and parts of North America.
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