Key Takeaways
- Western Europe recorded its hottest June since records began in June 2025.
- The average temperature reached 20.74 degrees Celsius, over 3℃ above the norm.
- Heatwaves contributed to severe health impacts and ozone pollution levels.
Western Europe experienced its hottest June on record last month, with temperatures soaring more than 3℃ above the 1991-2020 average. The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that the region's average temperature in June was 20.74 degrees Celsius, breaking the previous record set in June 2025.
The heatwave, which followed an unusually early spring and a record-breaking one in June, affected millions of people across Europe. According to AFP analysis, over two-thirds of Europeans—410 million individuals—experienced temperatures exceeding 35℃ during the June 15-30 period. This intense heat contributed significantly to health impacts, including numerous heat-related deaths.
Samantha Burgess, strategic climate lead at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), which operates Copernicus, warned that such extreme weather events will become more frequent and severe due to human-induced climate change. 'We will see more heatwaves in a warmer world,' she stated. 'They will be more intense and they will last longer, and they will impact more geographical areas.'
The June heatwave was particularly brutal for several countries, including France, Spain, and Belgium, where thousands of deaths were linked to the extreme temperatures. High humidity levels exacerbated the situation, with people not getting relief at night, leading to a series of tropical nights.
In addition to health impacts, the heatwave also had significant environmental consequences. The Mediterranean experienced its own record-breaking marine heatwave, while Europe’s Atlantic coasts faced hot spells that put ecosystems under threat. High ozone levels affected nearly 300 million people, including 100 million children and elderly individuals.
The European Union's climate monitor highlighted the severe health impacts of the June heatwave, noting that it contributed to 'severe health impacts, including heat-related deaths.' The report also pointed out that dry conditions were prevalent during this period, further exacerbating the situation.
Experts warn that Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent, with changes in atmospheric circulation fueling more frequent and intense heatwaves. The ongoing El Nino weather pattern is expected to strengthen in the tropical Pacific, potentially leading to even higher temperatures in the coming months.
'We will see more heatwaves in a warmer world,' said Samantha Burgess, strategic climate lead at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), which operates Copernicus.
Samantha Burgess, Strategic Climate Lead, ECMWF
