- Copernicus Says Exceptional Heatwaves Made 2026 Europe’s Third-Hottest Summer on Record
BRUSSELS: A record 52 percent of Europe was exposed to “very strong” heat stress during the summer of 2026, as the continent endured an exceptionally hot season marked by prolonged heatwaves, record temperatures and worsening drought conditions, the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service has reported.
The climate monitoring service said the summer was the third warmest on record for Europe and the hottest ever recorded in western Europe, with several countries registering their highest temperatures on record.
“One of the things that stands out for 2026 is that the heat was not only remarkable for its intensity, but also for its geographical extent,” Samantha Burgess, Climate Lead at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), which operates Copernicus, said during a media briefing.
Heat Stress Reached Unprecedented Levels
According to Copernicus, 52 percent of the continent experienced “very strong” heat stress, defined as conditions in which temperatures felt above 38°C.
Around 80 percent of Europe experienced “strong” heat stress, with feels-like temperatures exceeding 32°C. Such conditions were recorded on a record 41 days by the end of the summer season.
Heat stress occurs when the human body is unable to effectively regulate its temperature. Prolonged exposure can cause symptoms including dizziness and headaches and, in severe cases, can lead to organ failure and death.
Burgess said the summer demonstrated that heat stress is becoming increasingly widespread and persistent, describing it as the leading cause of weather-related mortality globally.
Four of Europe’s 10 Most Severe Heatwaves Occurred in 2026
The continent experienced a series of heatwaves beginning unusually early in the spring. Four of Europe’s 10 most severe heatwaves on record occurred during the summer of 2026, according to Copernicus.
August 2003 remains the most severe heatwave recorded in Europe under the monitoring system.
The unusually persistent heat was associated with broader climate trends that have made Europe the world’s fastest-warming continent, according to climate assessments.
Drought Adds Pressure on Rivers, Agriculture and Energy
The extreme heat was accompanied by widespread dry conditions, contributing to exceptionally low river levels across parts of Europe.
Copernicus reported that river flows fell to their lowest levels since records began in 1992, disrupting freight transportation and placing additional pressure on irrigation, nuclear power plant cooling systems and hydropower generation.
Drought conditions have also become increasingly prevalent across Europe over the past 45 years.
By the end of August, drought was affecting almost half of the continent, according to Copernicus.
The combination of extreme heat, prolonged dry conditions and declining water availability has highlighted the growing challenges facing Europe’s communities, agriculture, transport and energy infrastructure as the continent continues to experience a changing climate.
BY: The Times Union
