Copernicus

France is facing its fifth heat wave alert of the season as western Europe recorded new temperature records for the June-July period. The extreme heat across Europe has contributed to major wildfires, prolonged drought, and increasing death rates. Scientists warn that accelerated human-caused global warming combined with El Niño conditions may lead to 2026 becoming the hottest year on record.

France is bracing for its fifth heat wave alert of the season and warning about temperatures near 40 C in southeastern France. Across Western Europe, extreme heat has resulted in record-setting conditions, intensifying drought and wildfires. Scientists suggest that accelerated human-caused global warming combined with El Niño increases the chance that 2026 could become a record-breaking hot year.

Western Europe set a new average temperature record for the June-July period due to persistent high-pressure systems and extreme heat, which also amplified widespread drought. Globally, warming is attributed partly to accelerated human-caused global warming and El Niño conditions. Scientists stated that these factors increase the chance of 2026 becoming one of the hottest years on record.

Wildfires in Europe and North America are becoming more extreme in size, intensity, and frequency, but global fire emissions are at a record low due to reduced burning in Africa and Asia. This paradox is attributed to changing agricultural practices, improved fire management, and human migration limiting fires in regions that historically contributed to most global emissions.

Wildfires in Europe and North America are becoming more extreme in size and intensity, while global fire emissions are at a record low due to reduced burning in Africa and Asia. Experts attribute this paradox to improved fire management and agricultural changes in Africa and Asia, despite increasing fire activity in other regions.

Wildfires in Europe and North America are becoming more extreme, but global fire emissions are at a record low due to reduced burning in Africa and Asia. Experts attribute the paradox to human-driven changes in fire management and land use, with carbon emissions from fires now about half of early 2000s levels.

Wildfires in Europe and North America are becoming more extreme, but global fire emissions are at a record low due to reduced burning in Africa and Asia. This paradox is attributed to human-driven changes in fire management and agricultural practices in Africa and Asia, which offset increases in other regions.

Europe is experiencing rapid warming, with temperatures rising twice as fast as the global average since the 1990s. Extreme heat is causing significant health risks, productivity losses, and economic costs for businesses, as European companies are underprepared for increasing heatwaves and a predicted 'very strong' super El Niño event.