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Global sea temperatures have surged to record levels for August 2026, driven by a powerful El Niño and decades of human-caused warming. Scientists warn the warming is stressing marine ecosystems, boosting marine heatwaves, and threatening fisheries and coastal communities across the world.
A persistent heat dome has driven unprecedented May temperatures across western Europe this week, with the UK and France having broken May records (Kew Gardens provisionally 35.1°C). Ambulance services have reported record call volumes, amber heat-health alerts have been issued, thunderstorms and fires have followed the heat, and officials are urging caution around open water.
The National Science Foundation has halted plans to remove or descale the Ocean Observatories Initiative, after lawmakers and scientists warned of risks to climate data, weather forecasts and coastal safety. An expert panel will assess future needs while equipment already removed will be redeployed. The move follows bipartisan pressure and a Senate bill to block decommissioning.
El Niño has formed in the Pacific and is expected to strengthen through late 2026, with a 63% chance of reaching a very strong level. Forecasts warn of hotter global temperatures and extreme weather, while impacts will vary by region. Scientists urge preparation and climate action as nations monitor evolving conditions.
Two early‑season heatwaves have broken June temperature records across western Europe, pushing many locations above 40°C, triggering red alerts, disrupting transport and power, and causing dozens of deaths in France and other countries. Scientists have said human‑caused warming has made this event far more likely and night‑time temperatures have remained unusually high.
A new study in Nature Climate Change finds heat stress is spreading beyond traditional hot regions, with nights warming faster than days. The world’s population exposed to at least one day of extreme heat stress has risen to about 1 billion more people since the 1970s, and nights that stay warm hinder recovery after daytime heat.
France endures its hottest day on record as a Europe-wide heat wave triggers power outages in Brittany, with 100k+ customers affected. Crews are restoring supply and warnings persist about continued extreme temperatures.
A Paris court has ruled that TotalEnergies must disclose climate risks linked to emissions from its oil and gas products under France’s 2017 duty of vigilance law. The ruling recognises climate risks as part of corporate vigilance, but stops short of ordering production cuts or project halts. The case was brought by Notre Affaire à Tous, Sherpa and other groups, with the city of Paris joining the action.
A continent-wide heatwave has intensified, with France, the Netherlands and Belgium reporting thousands of excess deaths as temperatures shatter records. Health systems are strained, and wildfires and droughts are spreading across southern Europe. Officials warn that climate change is driving more extreme heat, with record highs continuing into the coming days.
Ocean surface temperatures in June have hit record highs, surpassing 2023 and 2024, with six months of near-unprecedented warmth. Scientists warn El Niño could intensify heat and extreme weather this year and next.
The UK’s seas are experiencing an extreme marine heatwave, with temperatures averaging 2C above normal and pockets 4–5C hotter. The pattern follows a Europe-wide heat dome, and global sea surfaces have topped records for the time of year. Scientists warn of mass-mortality risks for marine life and shifts in species distribution.
A European heatwave has intensified, with records shattered across multiple countries. New analyses attribute a substantial share of heat-related deaths to human-caused climate change, while authorities warn of ongoing health and infrastructure pressures as temperatures stay high.
Extensive wildfires are burning across France, Spain and Italy as heatwaves drive arid conditions. Evacuations continue, hundreds of firefighters operate across multiple fronts, and authorities warn that heat and dry vegetation will keep fire risk high in coming days.
Since mid-July, a series of fast-moving wildfires has scorched large areas of France and Spain, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee. French authorities have mobilised soldiers, masks and international firefighting aircraft as flames approach Bordeaux and fires burn near Paris, the Var and Fontainebleau. Extreme heat and drought have fuelled unusually early, violent fires.
A wildfire near Bedar in Almería has killed 13 people, with several British nationals among the dead. Rescue teams have recovered multiple bodies and rescued two British hikers who survived with severe burns. The CID is processing missing-person reports as authorities warn of continuing danger amid a heatwave across Europe.
Spain's Almería wildfires have claimed 13 lives, with eight women and five men among the victims. Authorities say seven UK nationals, three Belgians, one French, one American, and one Spanish citizen are confirmed dead. The fire has been contained and residents are returning home as investigators assess cause and future risks.
The UK has seen a record-hot July and persistent drought across large parts of England and Wales. Hosepipe bans remain in force as cooling rain is forecast to be patchy and limited this weekend. Forecasters warn that heat and dry conditions will continue into next week, with a potential return of hotter spells in parts of the country.
Wildfires are generating pyrocumulonimbus clouds, creating their own weather and complicating firefighting. Reports from independent and BBC/France 24 coverage describe fire-generated thunderstorms, lightning, and unpredictable winds as heatwaves persist across Europe and North America. Scientists warn climate change is increasing these events’ frequency and intensity.
Multiple French and European wildfires have intensified amid a heatwave, with science increasingly documenting pyrocumulonimbus clouds that can fan flames and alter fire behavior. Reports describe the phenomenon as a new, climate-linked hazard that firefighters are adapting to as evacuations continue and containment remains challenging.
European wildfires have expanded across France, Spain and other parts of southern Europe as heatwaves intensify. Authorities report mass evacuations, tens of thousands of hectares burned, and mounting casualties among firefighters. The crisis is testing climate resilience and driving calls for stronger forest management and funding.
Insurers warn Europe’s disaster costs are outpacing coverage as wildfires devastate parts of France, Spain, Greece and Portugal. Heatwaves push temperatures past dangerous levels and drive up resilience costs, while authorities urge action to close the protection gap.
A record summer of heat, drought and wildfires has prompted an emergency Cobra meeting and voluntary retailer suspensions of disposable-barbecue sales. Green groups have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him to call the crisis 'climate change' and stop new North Sea drilling; Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has questioned net zero and urged adaptation and celebration of warmer weather.
A record-hot, dry European summer has intensified wildfires in Greece, France and beyond. Two helicopter crews have died in Greece amid fierce winds; thousands have evacuated in France, and the UK reports its driest July in two centuries as fires burn on multiple fronts.
Extreme heat has gripped central and eastern Europe, with Slovakia seeing 42°C in Dolné Plachtince and Austria hitting a national high. The Danube’s water levels are at record lows, threatening energy supply and transport. Forecasts warn the heat will persist, with officials urging conservation and vigilance against heat-related health risks.
Europe endures a blistering heat wave with temperatures above 40C in several countries. Italy places all 27 major cities on red heat alerts; authorities extend evening hours at Rome’s Colosseum and Pantheon and open cooling measures. Wildfires, drought and energy stress accompany the heat, prompting precautions for residents and visitors.
Copernicus records show Western Europe has faced unprecedented heat in June–July 2026, with an average of 21.62C and soil moisture at historic lows. Rivers run low, powering drought and wildfires across France, Spain and beyond. El Niño is strengthening global temperatures, prompting warnings of deeper climate impacts.
A global heat wave trend persists into August 2026. July saw record or near-record sea surface and air temperatures across Europe and globally. Scientists warn that accelerating warming and a strong El Niño are increasing the odds that 2026 will be the hottest year on record.
Prolonged heat across the continental U.S. has continued into August, with nighttime temperatures remaining unusually high. NOAA reports record-setting July temperatures and a hotter-than-average pattern linked to climate change and a strengthening El Niño. Experts warn that heat will persist and intensify, contributing to drought, fires, and health risks.
Heatwaves are intensifying across Europe, with several countries recording near-record highs. Hospitals report strain as temperatures surpass 30C in many areas, while drought and wildfires push governments to implement urgent measures. The unusual heat, tied to persistent high-pressure systems, is prompting warnings and adaptation efforts.
Champagne’s harvest has moved earlier this year due to record heat and drought, with producers starting in mid-August instead of mid-September. Grapes show higher sugar and risk to acidity; producers are adapting by earlier picking, night harvesting, and exploring irrigation research. Yields are expected to fall, but quality remains crucial as climate pressures accelerate.
Wildfires have intensified across Europe, with record heat and drought fueling unprecedented fire activity. Several countries report thousands of hectares burned, mass evacuations, and mounting economic costs as authorities warn of a worsening season.
Rising heat and drought across Europe have lowered river levels, exposing World War II ships, mammoth remains and ancient structures. Analysts warn climate-driven extremes are intensifying, threatening ships, power plants and freight, while historians document maritime relics surfacing along the Danube and Rhine.