Seas Hit 20.96°C Record
Western Europe swelters in hottest June and July on record with 14,000 heatwave deaths and drought affecting 23 million people
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August 2026 tied July 2023 as the world’s hottest month on record.
August 2026 tied July 2023 as the world’s hottest month on record.
Hungary's temperature reached 41.8C, surpassing a record set in 1905.
London bus drivers resume strike over heatwave working conditions.
London bus drivers resume strike over heatwave working conditions.
London bus drivers resume strike over heatwave working conditions, citing inadequate air conditioning.
London bus drivers resume strike over heatwave working conditions.
London bus drivers resume strike over heatwave working conditions.
Germany recorded close to 9,800 heat-related deaths by mid-July 2026, its deadliest heat season since 2016.
Germany recorded close to 9,800 heat-related deaths by mid-July 2026, its deadliest heat season since 2016.
Temperatures could reach 36C or higher this week.
Germany recorded close to 9,800 heat-related deaths by mid-July 2026, its deadliest heat season since 2016.
Heat-related deaths in Europe have risen to 25,000 this year across Spain, France, UK, Netherlands and Switzerland, and wildfires have scorched over 550,000 hectares; regions home to 900 million people experienced record July heat in 2026.
The UK's National Drought Group is meeting Monday to declare more English regions in drought, expanding hosepipe bans beyond the current 23 million people.
Story published. Western Europe swelters in hottest June and July on record with 14,000 heatwave deaths and drought affecting 23 million people
The world's seas have reached their hottest temperature on record for July, with a global average sea surface temperature of 20.96°C. This comes as Western Europe has experienced its hottest June and July on record, with a combined average temperature of 21.62°C, beating the 2022 record for the same period.
The UK's Met Office has warned of another heatwave, with temperatures forecast to reach the mid-30s Celsius in parts of Britain. Half of England and the whole of Wales are officially in drought, with 23 million people subject to hosepipe bans. The heat and drought conditions have led to thousands of excess deaths in Europe, with over 14,000 people killed in heatwaves in Europe in June.
Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent, and the frequency of extreme fire-prone weather is increasing with climate change. France and Spain have battled their worst infernos in living memory this summer. The world's seas were hotter last month than in any July on record, according to scientists.
## What's next The Met Office has warned of potential disruptions to railway lines and power networks due to the extreme heat. Health officials have also warned of the risks to vulnerable people from the coming hot weather, with serious consequences possible in health and social care settings and a potential rise in deaths.
The heatwave is expected to continue, with temperatures forecast to reach 36C (97F) or higher this week. The Met Office is considering issuing rare amber or red extreme heat warnings, and officials are meeting to discuss the drought situation and potential further measures to mitigate its effects.
