According to the Associated Press, 2026 may become the hottest year on record as extreme heat continues to grip Europe and the United States, driving severe droughts, thousands of heat-related deaths, and massive wildfires. Data from the European Union’s climate service, Copernicus, shows that the US, Spain, and several other regions recorded their hottest July ever, while the UK and France brace for a fifth summer heatwave with temperatures climbing toward 40 degrees Celsius.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Across the United States and Europe
July 2026 stood out as the hottest month ever registered in mainland the US, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The average temperature across the 48 contiguous states hit 24.9 degrees Celsius. Copernicus figures indicate that roughly 900 million people experienced their warmest July on record.
Western Europe set a new average temperature record for the June-to-July period at 21.62 degrees Celsius. Samantha Burgess of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) explained to the Associated Press that a persistent high-pressure system trapped the heat over the region, exacerbating a widespread drought. Burgess noted that this event serves as a clear example of how climate change intensifies extreme heat. Météo-France warned that southeastern parts of France would see temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius, while the UK faces peaks of up to 36 degrees Celsius.
Devastating Wildfires and Evacuations in Spain and France
The prolonged heat has fueled destructive wildfires across Southern Europe. In Spain, more than 300 firefighters battled multiple blazes amid hot, windy conditions, according to NTB. Antonio Sanz, a regional emergency director in Andalusia, described firefighting efforts around the town of Niebla as a long obstacle course expected to last several days. That particular fire charred an area of nearly 20,000 hectares, forcing the evacuation of nearly 500 people.
Data from the Spanish meteorological agency, Aemet, confirms that Spain has never recorded a hotter July. So far this year, 244,000 hectares have burned across 400 fires—an area six times larger than the burn zone recorded last year. Meanwhile, France dealt with a historic wildfire in the southwest that forced 220,000 people to flee in one of the largest evacuations seen in Europe since World War II. France also recorded at least 5,700 more deaths than normal during June alone, while the UK reported 2,800 heat-linked deaths between May and June.
Did you know?
The historic wildfire in southwestern France triggered one of the largest civilian evacuations in Europe since World War II, displacing 220,000 people.
Historic Low Water Levels Disrupt River Transport and Energy Production
An AFP analysis of Copernicus data reveals that the lingering heat and drought severely depleted European river systems in July. Monitoring showed record-low water levels along 95 percent of the tracked sections of the Thames, 85 percent of the Rhine, and roughly two-thirds of the Danube, marking the lowest July readings since observations began in 1992. The Rhône and Italy’s longest river, the Po, also saw roughly 30 to 40 percent of their courses drop to historic lows.
The shrinking water levels had immediate industrial consequences. In Hungary, low water on the Danube forced the country’s sole nuclear power plant—which relies on river water for cooling—to slash its operations to just ten percent capacity at the peak of the shortage. Normally, that facility generates about half of Hungary’s total electricity supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Europe experiencing such intense heatwaves?
According to Samantha Burgess at the ECMWF, a persistent high-pressure system trapped heat over Western Europe, intensifying both extreme temperatures and a widespread drought driven by ongoing climate change.
How much land has burned in Spain compared to last year?
Data from the Associated Press and NTB shows that 244,000 hectares have burned across 400 fires in Spain this year, a burn area six times larger than the total recorded at this point last year.
What impact did low river levels have on energy production?
Low water levels on the Danube forced Hungary’s only nuclear power plant to reduce operations to ten percent capacity because insufficient river water was available for cooling.
What are your thoughts on how communities can better prepare for recurring extreme heatwaves? Join the discussion below or subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing climate updates.
Related reading