The European climate agency Copernicus reports that Western Europe experienced record-breaking temperatures during the summer months of June and July. The heat waves surpassed the previous average temperature record set in 2022. This extreme heat began in May and has led to significant wildfires, extended droughts, and new national temperature records across the region. The intense heat has also resulted in thousands of projected heat-related deaths.
Globally, the current year ranks as the third-hottest, trailing behind 2024 and 2025, according to climate statistics. However, with the combined effects of accelerated human-caused global warming and a strong El Niño, there is a growing possibility that 2026 could become the hottest year on record by its end, potentially surpassing 2024.
Copernicus highlighted that last month recorded the highest average sea surface temperature for July across oceans that are not seasonally ice-covered. This was partly due to developing El Niño conditions in the equatorial Pacific. The new average sea surface temperature for July reached 20.96 degrees Celsius (69.73 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record of 20.89 degrees Celsius (69.60 degrees Fahrenheit) set in 2023.
Despite these rising sea temperatures, last month’s global average surface air temperature was 16.90 degrees Celsius (62.42 degrees Fahrenheit), making it the joint second warmest July on record, tied with July 2024.
In Western Europe, the average temperature for the June-July period reached 21.62 degrees Celsius (70.92 degrees Fahrenheit). Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, explained that persistent high-pressure systems trapped heat over the region. These extreme temperatures also intensified widespread drought. As soils dry out, they lose their natural cooling capability, allowing heat to build up further. This situation exemplifies how climate change amplifies heat extremes and creates a cycle where heat and drought intensify each other.
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