The intense heat that enveloped western Europe this summer has been identified as the most severe on record, according to a recent report. Over 50% of the region experienced “very strong” heat stress, with temperatures felt to exceed 38°C. Data from the EU’s Copernicus climate monitoring service indicates that average air temperatures in western Europe from June through August were 2.5°C higher than the average for the last decade. Additionally, the rest of the continent experienced milder yet lethal heat, making this summer the third hottest recorded in Europe.
This alarming trend coincides with an unusually powerful El Niño phenomenon, which is contributing to rising global temperatures and extreme weather conditions across various parts of the world, from South America to Australia. This significant warming of ocean waters, occurring earlier than anticipated, is projected to lead to nearly half a million additional heat-related fatalities by February.
In Europe, the impact of El Niño is primarily indirect, manifesting through increased food prices and inflation, while the extreme heat this summer has largely been attributed to pollution from fossil fuels that are polluting the atmosphere.
The report revealed that at least 60% of western Europe endured temperatures exceeding 30°C for 17 days this summer. In comparison, the summer of 2003 experienced similar conditions for just 11 days, while 2025 recorded only seven. This summer also marked a record of 13 days with “very strong” heat stress across the region.
The onset of summer-like weather began unusually early, with a significant heatwave surprising climate scientists in late May, and the high temperatures persisted into September. The consecutive heatwaves, exacerbated by climate change, claimed tens of thousands of lives and devastated agricultural yields while causing power plant shutdowns.
Samantha Burgess, a climate scientist at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, noted, “The ramifications of these temperature extremes extend beyond record numbers, impacting water supply, energy infrastructure, transportation, ecosystems, and public health. As the climate continues to change, it is crucial to enhance resilience against increasingly interconnected climate risks.”
The combined effects of extreme heat, drought, and wildfires have resulted in significant damage. The report also highlighted that European sea surface temperatures reached record highs this summer, while river flows in the region were the lowest in over three decades. The intense heat and widespread drought contributed to rampant wildfires.
Data released by the European Forest Fire Information System revealed that the severity of fire weather conditions in 2026 was unprecedented, with 680,000 hectares burned by the end of September, marking it as the third-worst year on record. This follows the million hectares scorched by the same time in 2025 and the 768,000 hectares lost in 2022.
Smoke from these fires has posed a significant environmental health threat, releasing 30% more fine particulate matter into the atmosphere compared to the average of the past two decades.
Xavier Rodó, who heads the climate and health program at ISGlobal, a Spanish research institute not involved in the report, remarked, “Following the summer we’ve experienced, there is little more to add. The increase in both the number and intensity of extreme weather events clearly indicates remarkable shifts in the climate of Europe, as numerous records have been set, not just locally but also at regional and continental levels.”
To mitigate the impacts of extreme heat, health professionals and climate scientists are urging governments to take measures such as reducing fossil fuel consumption, providing shade for buildings, enhancing urban greenery, and installing air conditioning in hospitals, schools, and care facilities.
