Samantha Burgess covers climate science and policy, focusing on Europe’s climate risks and governance.
Copernicus data show July 2026 set global sea-surface-temperature records outside polar regions, driven by El Niño and human-caused warming. Western Europe endures its hottest June–July period on record, with wildfires, drought, and stressed water supplies. Italy, France, and the UK have issued heat warnings as authorities adapt to intensifying heat and dry conditions.
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 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.
A historic heatwave has swept across Europe, setting temperature records and stressing infrastructure and health systems. Scientists say climate change has doubled the odds of such events, with millions affected as cities grapple with heat-related disruptions and rising energy demand.
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.
El Niño is strengthening and could reach record intensity, boosting global temperatures and altering rainfall patterns. The World Meteorological Organization warns of heat, droughts and floods across affected regions, with food security data tightening as governments prepare for climate shocks.