Europe’s severe June heatwave ‘virtually impossible’ 50 years go, climate scientists say
Summary
Scientists have found that Europe’s record heatwave in June 2026 would have been nearly impossible 50 years ago without human-caused climate change. The study shows that temperatures now are much higher due to global warming, which makes extreme heat events more frequent and severe.Key Facts
- The June 2026 heatwave in Europe was about 3.5°C hotter than a similar event would have been in 1976.
- Human-caused climate change is the clear reason for the increased intensity of this heatwave.
- The planet’s average temperature has risen about 1.4°C since pre-industrial times because of burning coal, oil, and gas.
- The chance of heatwaves like this one has grown greatly in recent decades.
- Compared to the deadly 2003 heatwave, current heatwaves are still about 2°C hotter during the day.
- Nearly half of the 850 European cities studied reached or broke their all-time heat stress records in June 2026.
- Scientists say the heatwave was not caused by natural climate patterns like El Nino.
- Heat stress from high heat and humidity can cause serious health problems, including organ failure and death.
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