Western Europe records warmest June and July on record

Western Europe experienced its warmest June and July on record, according to data from the Copernicus climate monitoring service. The combined average temperature for these two months reached 21.62°C, surpassing the previous record set in 2022.

Extreme heat and severe drought have impacted several regions, including parts of the Iberian Peninsula, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Great Britain. Soil moisture levels in Western Europe have dropped significantly lower than during the 2022 drought. This lack of moisture creates a feedback loop where dry soils lose their ability to provide natural cooling, further intensifying heat extremes.

Low water levels in major rivers, including the Seine, Rhine, and Danube, have disrupted energy production, agriculture, and commercial shipping. Additionally, the dry conditions have fueled catastrophic wildfires, particularly in Spain and France.

Globally, temperatures continue to rise, with the recent monthly average sitting 1.47°C above pre-industrial levels. Ocean surface temperatures also reached record highs, with a monthly average of 20.96°C. Experts attribute these trends to the accumulation of greenhouse gases and the influence of the El Niño phenomenon.