More than half of Europe faced intense summer heat stress, EU monitor says
Summary
More than half of Europe experienced intense heat stress during the summer of 2026, according to the EU’s climate monitor. This summer was one of the hottest on record, with many parts of Europe setting new temperature highs and facing droughts that affected water supply and transport.Key Facts
- A record 52% of Europe was exposed to intense heat stress, meaning temperatures felt hotter than 38°C (100°F).
- About 80% of Europe experienced strong heat stress, with temperatures feeling hotter than 32°C (90°F).
- The summer of 2026 was the third warmest for Europe and the hottest ever recorded for western Europe.
- Several countries set new national temperature records this summer.
- Heat stress can cause serious health issues, including dizziness, organ failure, and death.
- Heatwaves this summer caused tens of thousands of extra deaths across Europe.
- Drought affected almost half of Europe by the end of August, leading to water shortages and impacts on transport and energy systems.
- The EU’s climate monitor Copernicus noted that these heatwaves and droughts are linked to climate change and are becoming more frequent and severe.
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