Key facts
- June 2026 was the hottest June on record for western Europe.
- Globally, June 2026 was the second-hottest June recorded.
- Record land temperatures were accompanied by the warmest June sea surface temperatures globally.
- Intense heatwaves occurred in western and central Europe, shattering monthly and all-time records.
- Marine heatwaves affected the western Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines.
- Long-term human-driven climate change is identified as the primary driver of rising global temperatures.
June 2026 shattered heat records across western Europe and oceans, according to data from the European Union's climate change services. The month was the hottest June on record for western Europe and the second-warmest globally, with sea surface temperatures also reaching unprecedented levels. This sustained accumulation of heat in the Earth's climate system is leading to more intense and prolonged heatwaves, impacting public health, ecosystems, and infrastructure.
Western and central Europe experienced a severe late-June heatwave, following an unusually warm May and preceding another in early July, indicating a persistent pattern of extreme summer heat. These high temperatures were accompanied by dry conditions, increased wildfire activity, reduced river flows, and intensified drought risk, particularly affecting food production in regions like the Iberian Peninsula and southern France.
Marine heatwaves were also observed across the western Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. While scientists partially attribute these conditions to strengthening El Niño, the data emphasizes that long-term human-driven climate change remains the dominant factor behind the rising global temperatures. Climate experts warn that the current trend signifies a climate system storing increasing amounts of heat, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
In response to the growing impacts, including over 1,300 deaths linked to recent heatwaves, the European Commission has announced a shift in focus from climate mitigation to climate adaptation. This strategic pivot aims to address the immediate consequences of climate change while continuing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.