According to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, Western Europe experienced its highest average temperature ever recorded in June and July, reaching 21.62 degrees Celsius. The extreme heat, drought, and wildfires driven by climate change have reduced the flow of major rivers across Europe, severely impacting water transport, irrigation, and energy production. Global sea surface temperatures have also set a new record at 20.96 degrees Celsius, with scientists identifying greenhouse gases from human activities as the primary cause of the rising temperatures. (25 Shrawan, Paris)
This year, Western Europe endured its hottest June and July on record amid increasing heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires attributed to climate change. Data released Monday by the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, a global temperature monitoring system, revealed a new high temperature milestone in the region. Copernicus reported that the combined average temperature for Western Europe during June and July reached 21.62 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record set during the same period in 2022.
Copernicus noted that the continuous high temperatures and prolonged heat episodes this summer signaled an abnormal heat pattern. Europe remains the fastest-warming continent globally. In July, unusually dry conditions were observed in parts of Western and Central Europe, including France, Spain, Austria, Hungary, as well as areas in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Iceland. Compared to the severe drought of 2022, soil moisture levels were even lower in July of this year, according to Copernicus.
