New Europe-related weather data highlighted the severity of Europe’s climate summer conditions, with July 2026 marked by record-breaking temperatures, severe drought and significant wildfire activity. Global sea surface temperatures reached a record high for July, while Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July period on record. More information is available at this link.

The extreme heat was accompanied by worsening drought conditions across much of the continent as a result of below-average rainfall and recurring heatwaves. Data showed that 50% of the EU and the UK was experiencing some level of drought in late July, with the most severe conditions affecting areas including France, Germany, Hungary, Romania and the UK.

The prolonged hot and dry weather has also fueled extraordinary wildfire activity. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service warned that climate change is increasing the frequency of conditions that support large, high-intensity wildfires and extending fire seasons further north in Europe. Beyond the direct destruction caused by fires, smoke from major wildfires can travel long distances and affect air quality across wider regions.

The impacts are extending beyond forests and ecosystems. Europe’s major rivers, including the Loire, Po, Rhine and Danube, reached exceptionally low levels in August, placing increasing pressure on water resources, agriculture, energy systems, river transport, tourism and ecosystems. The combination of reduced rainfall and sustained heat has intensified stress on soils, vegetation and water supplies across large parts of the continent.

Looking ahead, forecasts indicate that warmer and drier conditions may continue through August and into September, maintaining the risk of further heatwaves and drought impacts. The findings underline the growing challenge that climate change poses to Europe’s environment, infrastructure and economic resilience, and highlight the increasing need for adaptation measures across multiple sectors. More information on the inspiring Horizon Europe projects dealing with the issue of addressing extreme climate situations in the summer is available at this link.