Europe recorded its highest average temperature for the June‑July period, reaching 21.62 °C (70.92 °F), according to Copernicus. The prolonged heat wave, which began in May, has contributed to wildfires, drought and thousands of projected heat‑related deaths.

The agency said 2023 is the third‑hottest year on record, behind 2024 and 2025, and that 2026 could surpass them if warming trends continue. Global sea surface temperature in July set a new record at 20.96 °C (69.73 °F), beating the 2023 mark of 20.89 °C, while global average surface air temperature was 16.90 °C (62.42 °F), tying July 2024 as the joint second warmest July.

In Western Europe, the June‑July average temperature also rose to 21.62 °C, Copernicus reported. Persistent high‑pressure systems kept heat trapped over the region, and drying soils reduced natural cooling, amplifying the heat‑drought feedback, said Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at the European Centre for Medium‑Range Weather Forecasts.

Scientists warn that continued warming driven by human‑caused climate change and El Niño conditions could make 2026 the hottest year on record, though the outcome remains uncertain.