Western Europe Records Hottest Summer Ever as Heat, Drought and Warm Seas Hit Region
What Happened
Western Europe experienced its hottest summer on record in 2026, with temperatures averaging 21.7°C, about 2.5°C above the long-term average and surpassing the previous record set in 2003. The season brought prolonged heatwaves, widespread heat stress, exceptionally warm sea temperatures and the lowest river flows since records began in 1992. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, around 52% of Europe experienced very strong heat stress, while drought conditions affected nearly half the continent by the end of August, disrupting transport, agriculture, energy production and water supplies.
Key Takeaways
The record-breaking summer highlighted the growing impact of climate change in Europe, with extreme heat, drought and environmental stress affecting public health, ecosystems and critical infrastructure across the region.