Western Europe sets new temperature record as heat waves pummel the region
The record heat has fueled wildfires, drought and thousands of projected heat-related deaths across the region, Copernicus said.
- Western Europe recorded its hottest June-July period on record with temperatures averaging 21.62°C, surpassing the previous 2022 record, according to Copernicus.
- Persistent high-pressure systems trapped heat over the region, amplifying widespread drought; soil moisture levels were "significantly lower" than in July 2022, reducing natural cooling, Copernicus added.
- River flows in the Seine, Rhine, and Danube reached record lows, impacting transport and energy production, while France and Spain battled severe wildfires during the heatwaves.
- Global ocean temperatures hit record highs in July, driven by marine heatwaves and a developing El Nino in the Pacific; Copernicus Director Carlo Buontempo said El Nino "is probably the driving force."
- Scientists expect new global average temperature records later this year or early 2027, with greenhouse gases identified as the main warming driver, Buontempo noted.
195 Articles
195 Articles
Western Europe records hottest June-July period
Western Europe recorded its highest average temperature for June and July in 2026, according to data from the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, as repeated heatwaves and dry conditions affected France, Spain, Britain and other parts of the region. The average temperature across Western Europe during the two-month period reached 21.6°2C, 2.79°C above the long-term average. The figure surpassed the previous record set in 2022.
Western Europe saw warmest June-July on record: EU scientists - The Tribune
Western Europe experienced its warmest June-July period on record, with heat and drought fuelling extreme wildfires across the region, the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service said on Monday. “Climate change is increasingly bringing the kinds of hot and dry conditions that favour large, high-intensity wildfires in southern Europe while extending the fire season northwards,” […]
Western Europe has recorded the hottest June and July since the measurement began. Copernicus also reports record temperatures of the sea surfaces and extreme drought.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
