Western Europe Records Hottest June and July on Record

Western Europe shattered temperature records in both June and July, according to data from the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service. The region recorded an average temperature of 21.62 degrees Celsius (70.92 Fahrenheit) during the two-month period, surpassing the previous record set in 2022. Four heatwaves were observed since May, contributing to drought, wildfires, and new national temperature records across Europe, as well as thousands of projected heat-related deaths.

Europe is the fastest-warming continent globally, though temperatures varied, with eastern Europe and Scandinavia experiencing cooler conditions. July was only the 11th warmest on record for Europe as a whole, with an average temperature of 20.49 degrees Celsius (68.88 Fahrenheit). Conditions were drier than average across much of Europe in July, including Spain, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the United Kingdom.

River flows were also unusually low, disrupting transport, irrigation, and energy production. The hot and dry conditions have intensified drought and increased wildfire risk, with severe fires in France and Spain. Global ocean temperatures also hit record highs in July, with the average sea surface temperature reaching 20.96 degrees Celsius (69.73 Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record set in 2023.

This is attributed to a developing El Niño in the equatorial Pacific. Scientists warn that the warming trend and climate change are intensifying heat extremes, with the El Niño potentially pushing temperatures higher later this year.