Records shattered across the continent
France experienced its hottest day ever recorded on June 24, with the national average temperature reaching 30°C (86°F) across all weather stations. The UK broke its June temperature record for the third day in a row, with 35.8°C in Wiggonholt. Paris hit 41°C. Switzerland also recorded its highest June temperature. The European heatwave has triggered red alert warnings across multiple countries.
Climate attribution: Not possible without global warming
World Weather Attribution scientists concluded that the extreme heat, covering such a wide area for such duration, "would not have been possible without human-caused climate change." Atmospheric CO2 stands at 425.2 ppm, 75 points above the safe level. The analysis found that a heatwave of this magnitude is now 10 times more likely compared to a pre-industrial climate.
Cities scramble to adapt
Paris banned public drinking of alcohol as hospitals reached capacity. The UK government faced criticism for inadequate heatwave preparedness, with schools and public transport disrupted. Climate Week London was disrupted by the very heat the conference aimed to address. Scientists say Europe is warming faster than any other continent, driven by factors including Arctic amplification and changing jet stream patterns.