Europe faced its hottest year on record in 2025, with heatwaves, wildfires and melting glaciers drawing urgent calls for action. This page answers common questions people search for about what that year’s climate indicators mean for this summer, which regions are most at risk, how heat and drought relate to ongoing climate signals, and what policymakers and scientists are urging now.
The 2025 indicators show a continued warming trend in Europe, with 95% of the region experiencing above-average temperatures and widespread heat events. While forecasts are regional and depend on weather patterns, experts expect a higher likelihood of hotter-than-average days this upcoming summer compared with historical norms, along with increased risk of drought in affected basins.
Heatwaves and wildfires are closely tied to rising temperatures and drying conditions identified in 2025’s climate assessment. Prolonged heat increases evaporation, reduces soil moisture, and dries vegetation—creating conditions that fuel fire risk and extend heat events. The joint ECMWF–WMO findings highlight these connections and the growing need for preparedness and rapid response.
Regions with already drier climates or exposed to intense heat (such as southern Europe and parts of central and eastern Europe) face higher risk of heat stress and drought. Factors include seasonal rainfall patterns, groundwater depletion, and rapid warming in the last decades. The report notes widespread temperature anomalies across the continent, but regional vulnerability varies based on local climate, water resources, and infrastructure resilience.
Authorities and researchers are calling for accelerated climate adaptation, stronger heat-health measures, and targeted drought management. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding cooling centers and urban heat mitigation, protecting water resources, improving early warning systems, and accelerating transition to renewable energy to limit further warming.
Policy implications point toward reinforcing resilience—planning for more frequent heat and drought, investing in green infrastructure, and updating building codes for cooling efficiency. For individuals, practical steps include staying hydrated, checking heat advisories, planning outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day, and supporting energy-efficient and climate-resilient options in homes and communities.
The indicators come from a joint assessment by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), drawing on multiple national and international sources. Coverage in major outlets like The New York Times, Al Jazeera, France 24, Politico, and The Guardian provides context and interpretation. Access the primary ECMWF/WMO briefing for detailed data and graphs.
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