A report from the EU's Copernicus climate monitoring service found western Europe suffered its worst summer heat on record, with more than half the continent experiencing 'very strong' heat stress.
Key facts
- Western Europe's summer surface air temperatures from June to August were 2.5C above the recent decadal average.
- More than half the continent faced 'very strong' heat stress that felt hotter than 38C.
- It was the worst summer on record for western Europe, according to Copernicus.
- Milder but still deadly heat elsewhere made it Europe's third hottest summer on record overall.
The scorching heat that persistently baked western Europe this summer was the worst on record, according to a report from the EU’s Copernicus climate monitoring service published on Friday.
The report found that more than half the continent was seared by what it described as ‘very strong’ heat stress that felt hotter than 38C, underlining the intensity of the conditions experienced across the region.
Surface air temperatures in western Europe from June to August were 2.5C above the recent decadal average, the Copernicus update said, a significant departure from typical seasonal conditions.
While western Europe bore the brunt of the extreme heat, milder but still deadly conditions across the rest of the continent contributed to making the summer Europe’s third hottest on record overall.
The findings, reported by the Guardian, add to a growing body of data documenting rising temperatures and the increasing frequency of extreme heat events across Europe.
The report’s title points to broader consequences associated with the heat, including heatwaves as early as May, deaths and ruined harvests, painting what observers have called a grim picture for the future.
Why it matters
Record-breaking heat has direct consequences for public health, agriculture and daily life across Europe. The Copernicus findings provide authoritative data on how extreme summer conditions are intensifying, which informs how governments and communities prepare for future seasons.
Frequently asked questions
How much hotter was western Europe's summer than normal?
According to the Copernicus report, surface air temperatures in western Europe from June to August were 2.5C above the recent decadal average.
Was this the hottest summer on record for all of Europe?
It was the worst on record for western Europe specifically. For the continent overall, it ranked as Europe's third hottest summer on record.
What is 'very strong' heat stress?
The Copernicus report described more than half the continent as experiencing 'very strong' heat stress, meaning conditions that felt hotter than 38C.