Western Europe recorded its hottest June ever in 2026, marking the second warmest June globally, according to a recent report from the continent’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.

John Kennedy, head of climate information at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), stated, “Heatwaves like this are what we expect to see in a changing climate.” He noted that Europe has warmed by around two degrees Celsius since the historic 1976 heatwave, making it the fastest warming continent with increasing temperature extremes.

The heat spikes are linked to record-high sea surface temperatures for June, both regionally and globally. The global monthly average sea-surface temperature for the extra-polar ocean (60°S-60°N) surpassed the previous June record set in 2024 by 0.01ºC, influenced partly by strong El Niño conditions in the equatorial Pacific.

In July, parts of Western Europe continue to face high temperatures, accompanied by localized violent storms, worsening drought, and heightened wildfire risks, especially in France and the Iberian Peninsula.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports over 200,000 heat-related deaths in Europe over the past four years. Lachlan McIver, a health adviser at the WHO-WMO Climate and Health Joint Office, highlighted that older adults, young children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and people unhoused or with chronic illnesses are most vulnerable, though heat stress can affect anyone during prolonged high temperatures.

Armel Castellan, an extreme heat services technical advisor at the WHO-WMO Climate and Health Joint Office, emphasized that minimum temperatures during heatwaves can be more indicative of health impacts than peak afternoon highs.

The WMO is among ten specialized UN entities supporting the Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat, which aims to enhance international cooperation to mitigate heat impacts through better science, early warning systems, public awareness, and coordinated efforts.

Sources