This summer, heat waves across Western Europe broke the average temperature record for June and July, previously set in 2022. Data from the European climate agency Copernicus reveals that extreme temperatures began in May, leading to significant wildfires, prolonged drought, and heat-related fatalities.

Globally, statistics indicate that this year ranks as the third-hottest year so far, with 2024 and 2025 leading. However, 2026 still has time to possibly become the hottest recorded year, mainly due to human-induced global warming and an intense El Niño weather pattern. This phenomenon involves periodic warming of parts of the Pacific Ocean, impacting global temperatures. Scientists highlight the potential for 2026 to surpass 2024 as the hottest year or at least rival it by year-end.

Recent data showed that last month’s average sea surface temperature reached its highest for July, measuring 20.96 degrees Celsius (69.73 degrees Fahrenheit) across oceans without seasonal sea ice. The rise was partly due to developing El Niño conditions in the equatorial Pacific.

Nevertheless, global surface air temperature in July was 16.90°C (62.42 F), making it the joint second warmest July on record, tying with July 2024.

In Western Europe, the June-July period saw an average temperature of 21.62°C (70.92 F). Persistent high-pressure systems trapped heat, exacerbating widespread drought. Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, noted that as soil dries out, its natural cooling ability diminishes, allowing greater heat accumulation. This situation exemplifies how climate change amplifies heat extremes, with heat and drought frequently reinforcing each other.