Western Europe records hottest summer start amid ongoing heatwave and wildfires

Western Europe has endured its hottest summer start on record, with June and July 2026 registering unprecedented temperatures amid persistent heatwaves, widespread drought, and dramatic wildfires.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that global ocean temperatures also hit record highs for July 2026. Carlo Buontempo, director of the service, warned, "We have not experienced such a climate in our lifetime and perhaps not even since the dawn of our civilization."

Globally, July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the second hottest July ever recorded, surpassed only by July 2023. However, the most pronounced warming trend is occurring in Western Europe, which is heating up faster than any other continent.

In France, the heatwave is intensifying, with 22 departments placed on orange alert for high temperatures. The country is also battling a wildfire in the Drôme region, which has burned approximately 400 hectares and is continuing its slow progression towards villages. Reinforcements have been sent to aid the firefighting efforts.

Meanwhile, the Drôme fire, which began on August 3rd in the Claps mountain range, has progressed by about 30 hectares since Sunday. Residents in the affected villages have been advised to stay indoors due to heavy smoke. Firefighters are working to reinforce the protection of homes in the path of the blaze.