Global average sea surface temperatures outside the polar regions reached their highest level recorded for July, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, as extreme heat, persistent drought, and dangerous wildfires gripped the northern hemisphere. The month tied with July 2024 as the second-hottest July globally for surface air temperatures, sitting 1.47°C above the estimated pre-industrial baseline, while combined climate pressures severely impacted agriculture, energy production, and water supplies worldwide.
Global Sea Surface Temperatures Hit Record Highs in July
Oceans experienced unprecedented warmth last month, with extra-polar sea surface temperatures breaking all previous July records, according to data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Record sea surface temperatures were measured specifically along the Atlantic coast and western Mediterranean, fueling severe marine heatwaves that impacted coastal communities and marine ecosystems.
Western Europe Faces Relentless Heatwaves and Severe Drought
Western Europe recorded its hottest June-July period in history, according to ECMWF data. Météo-France warned that nearly the entire country would experience temperatures above 35°C, while MeteoSwiss issued a level three amber alert. In the United Kingdom, the Met Office reported that temperatures could reach 36°C in parts of southern England.
The prolonged dry spell running from March through July severely depleted soil moisture and river flows across France, Spain, Germany, and the UK. Major waterways including the Seine, Rhine, and Danube dropped to exceptionally low levels, directly affecting commercial navigation, irrigation, and energy production. In central Europe and the Balkans, historic station temperature records fell during the first week of August in Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia.
Wildfires Rage Across Europe and North America
Hot, dry, and windy conditions accelerated wildfire activity across multiple continents. Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) data indicates that 2026 fire emissions for France are running comparable to or higher than the extreme seasons of 2022 and 2023, placing the country on course for one of its worst fire years in 24 years. Spain similarly reported fire emissions well above average for this time of year.
Across the Atlantic, wildfires actively burned in the western United States. In Canada, the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System tracked 591 active fires, with 43 officially classified as out of control.
Asian Monsoons and Typhoon Disruption
While parts of the northern hemisphere baked, heavy monsoon rainfall caused deadly flooding in other regions. The WMO Coordination Mechanism reported heavy monsoon rains across West Africa, while the World Meteorological Organization warned of flash floods and landslides in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and parts of Southeast Asia. Dozens of fatalities occurred during monsoon floods in India, where the India Meteorological Department forecasted continued heavy rainfall across central, northwest, and Himalayan regions.
In East Asia, China mobilized emergency management and response efforts ahead of Typhoon Dolphin. The China Meteorological Administration issued numerous alerts for high winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous coastal flooding as the thirteenth typhoon of the season approached land.
Did you know?
According to the World Meteorological Organization, the simultaneous occurrence of high-pressure heat domes and low-pressure wet systems across the northern hemisphere is driven by a persistent pattern of alternating pressure systems interacting with long-term global warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the extreme temperatures in Europe this summer?
According to ECMWF climate scientists, persistent high-pressure systems trapped heat over western Europe for weeks at a time, which simultaneously amplified widespread drought and exceptionally low soil moisture levels.
How high were global temperatures in July?
Globally, July was the joint second-warmest on record, with average surface air temperatures 1.47°C above the pre-industrial baseline, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Which regions experienced heavy flooding during the same period?
Heavy monsoon rains and severe flooding affected parts of West Africa, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and China, alongside localized flooding events in parts of the Americas and Afghanistan.
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