Europe's new climate in seven charts

a month ago

Europe experienced two record-breaking summer heatwaves in May and June, with temperature records shattered across the continent, driven by human-induced climate change.
The UK saw unprecedented June temperatures, including a high of 37.7°C, breaking previous records by up to 2°C or more, and experienced rare 'tropical nights' where temperatures did not drop below 20°C.
More than a dozen European countries broke June temperature records, with some exceeding 40°C, due to a 'heat dome' effect and Europe's rapid warming from factors like melting snow and reduced air pollution.
Europe's seas are also exceptionally warm this summer, with marine heatwaves likely to intensify future land heatwaves by reducing cooling effects from sea breezes.
Scientists warn that heatwaves will continue to get hotter and more intense until global net zero greenhouse gas emissions are achieved, as average temperatures rise due to continued carbon emissions.

England is on track for the highest number of heat-related deaths ever recorded, with an estimated 2,877 deaths during the May and June heatwaves, almost double last year's total.
The May heatwave reached 35.1°C (June 26th: 38.0°C), both breaking UK monthly temperature records, and the current record of 2,985 heat-related deaths was set in 2022.
Vulnerable groups, including older adults and those with medical conditions, are at high risk, and UKHSA warns that hotter, more frequent, and extreme weather is expected due to climate change.

The North Sea reached a record 20.4°C on Wednesday morning near the South Holland coast, exceeding typical temperatures for this time of year.
A heat wave has affected the sea since late May, with a high-pressure system preventing cloud formation despite the warm water; warm sea conditions in autumn could lead to heavier rain showers.
The North Sea has been warming by about 0.5°C per decade since the 1980s, with over 90% of excess global heat from greenhouse gases absorbed by oceans.

A severe heatwave in Western and Central Europe in late June 2026, driven by an 'Omega block' high-pressure system, led to extreme temperatures and alerts.
Belgium issued a national heatwave alert on 24 June 2026, with forecasts of temperatures above 30°C and up to 38°C.
Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellite data from 24 June 2026 at 10:30 UTC shows Land Surface Temperature (LST) across Belgium, distinct from air temperature.

Unions in Europe are demanding laws to protect workers from extreme heat, prompted by the hottest June on record in western Europe.
Three major trade unions representing 12.6 million workers are urging the European Commission to set maximum working temperatures based on scientific metrics, such as 30°C for demanding jobs and 32.5°C for low-intensity work, with sanctions for non-compliance.
Research indicates that around 130 million European workers face heat stress annually, leading to approximately 277,000 injuries and 230 deaths.

Record-breaking heatwave hits Europe with temperatures reaching 41.7°C (107°F) in Germany, highlighting the continent's low air conditioning adoption (only 6% of German homes have fixed AC).
Heat-related deaths remain high in Europe (over 200,000 in the last four years according to WHO), contrasting with the US where 90% of homes use AC and heat mortality is lower.
Political debates intensify as far-right parties like Germany's AfD and France's National Rally push for more air conditioning, accusing mainstream parties of prioritizing climate ideology over public health.

England is on track for the highest number of heat-related deaths ever recorded, with an estimated 2,877 deaths during the May and June heatwaves, almost double last year's total.
The May heatwave reached 35.1°C (June 26th: 38.0°C), both breaking UK monthly temperature records, and the current record of 2,985 heat-related deaths was set in 2022.
Vulnerable groups, including older adults and those with medical conditions, are at high risk, and UKHSA warns that hotter, more frequent, and extreme weather is expected due to climate change.

The North Sea reached a record 20.4°C on Wednesday morning near the South Holland coast, exceeding typical temperatures for this time of year.
A heat wave has affected the sea since late May, with a high-pressure system preventing cloud formation despite the warm water; warm sea conditions in autumn could lead to heavier rain showers.
The North Sea has been warming by about 0.5°C per decade since the 1980s, with over 90% of excess global heat from greenhouse gases absorbed by oceans.

A severe heatwave in Western and Central Europe in late June 2026, driven by an 'Omega block' high-pressure system, led to extreme temperatures and alerts.
Belgium issued a national heatwave alert on 24 June 2026, with forecasts of temperatures above 30°C and up to 38°C.
Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellite data from 24 June 2026 at 10:30 UTC shows Land Surface Temperature (LST) across Belgium, distinct from air temperature.

Unions in Europe are demanding laws to protect workers from extreme heat, prompted by the hottest June on record in western Europe.
Three major trade unions representing 12.6 million workers are urging the European Commission to set maximum working temperatures based on scientific metrics, such as 30°C for demanding jobs and 32.5°C for low-intensity work, with sanctions for non-compliance.
Research indicates that around 130 million European workers face heat stress annually, leading to approximately 277,000 injuries and 230 deaths.

Record-breaking heatwave hits Europe with temperatures reaching 41.7°C (107°F) in Germany, highlighting the continent's low air conditioning adoption (only 6% of German homes have fixed AC).
Heat-related deaths remain high in Europe (over 200,000 in the last four years according to WHO), contrasting with the US where 90% of homes use AC and heat mortality is lower.
Political debates intensify as far-right parties like Germany's AfD and France's National Rally push for more air conditioning, accusing mainstream parties of prioritizing climate ideology over public health.

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