Europe's worst June heatwave
The historic heatwave gripping Europe is the region's 'most severe' ever tracked for June, according to the World Weather Attribution group. Extreme temperatures sweeping across the continent would have been 'virtually impossible' half a century ago without human-caused climate change. Scientists estimate a similar heatwave in 1976 would have been about 3.5 degrees Celsius cooler, directly attributing the intensity to fossil fuel emissions.
US faces record-breaking July 4th heat
In the United States, a heat dome has put 175 million people under extreme heat alerts. Forecasters warn this July 4th could be the hottest ever recorded in parts of the country, with heat index values reaching 100 to 115 degrees from the Midwest to the East Coast. The extreme heat comes as President Trump hosts America's 250th birthday celebrations on the National Mall.
Scientists warn of accelerated warming
The World Meteorological Organization projects a 75% chance that average global temperatures between 2026 and 2030 will exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. There is an 86% chance that at least one of the next five years will break the record for Earth's hottest year set in 2024. Climate scientists warn the rapid phase-out of fossil fuels is needed to avoid even higher temperatures and their consequences in the future.