Western Europe sets new temperature record as heat waves pummel the region

Western Europe has broken its own temperature record for June-July, according to the European climate agency Copernicus. The record-breaking heat wave kicked off in May and has caused devastating wildfires, prolonged drought, and numerous projected heat-related fatalities across the region. The year 2026 is still on track to become the world's third hottest on record, trailing only 2024 and 2025, according to climate statistics.

However, 2026 still has time to catch up. A combination of human-induced global warming and a mega-sized El Niño, a periodic warming of the Pacific, could push 2026 even closer to the record. In July, the sea surface temperature in the extra-polar oceans reached an all-time high for the month, further fueled by developing El Niño conditions in the equatorial Pacific.

Globally, the average surface air temperature in July was the joint second warmest on record, tied with July 2024. In Western Europe, the average temperature for the June-July period reached 21.62°C, setting a new national record. The persistent high-pressure systems over Western Europe trapped heat, while the extreme temperatures exacerbated widespread drought.

As the soil dried out, its capacity to naturally cool the air declined, allowing heat to accumulate more easily. Climate scientist Samantha Burgess noted that this situation clearly demonstrates how climate change is intensifying heat extremes, with heat and drought reinforcing each other.