Western Europe's June heat shatters records as global temperatures near historic highs

Western Europe has endured its hottest June on record, with temperatures soaring more than 3 degrees Celsius above the recent average, according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service. The region's average temperature reached 20.74 degrees Celsius, a sharp spike above the 1991-2020 norm, as reported by Free Malaysia Today. Globally, it was the second hottest June ever recorded, CBSNews noted, driven by extreme heat that has fueled wildfires and heatwaves across the continent.

2 sources

CBSNewsJune was the hottest on record for Western Europe, second hottest globallyFree Malaysia TodayWestern Europe records its hottest June as heatwaves surge

The scorching conditions were part of a broader pattern. The Guardian reported that the June heatwave, "inflamed by carbon pollution," helped push surface air temperatures in Western Europe 3.06 degrees Celsius above average. The same outlet warned of the "mounting cost" of failing to adapt, as record wildfires ravaged France and Spain while the UK entered its third heatwave of the year.

The GuardianWestern Europe records hottest-ever June as heatwaves intensify

"Record wildfires in Europe show failure to adapt carries a mounting cost"

Scientists are raising alarms about the risks to people, ecosystems, and infrastructure. The Guardian quoted experts who highlighted the dangers of such persistent heat, which has already proven deadly. The extreme European heat follows a scorching May and coincides with a strengthening El Niño, according to thehindubusinessline, which noted that the global temperature surge is intensifying concerns about further records.

Grist, globalbankingandfinance.com, and today.rtl.lu each reported the milestone, underscoring the widespread attention the data has drawn. CBSNews added that June temperatures in parts of Western Europe were nearly 5.5 degrees above average, a figure that underscores the severity of the anomaly. With El Niño gathering further strength, as thehindubusinessline put it, the coming months may bring even more extreme heat.

2 sources

GristWestern Europe just set the record for its hottest June everglobalbankingandfinance.comWestern Europe records hottest June on record, EU scientists say