Western Europe recorded its hottest June in history in 2026, with an average temperature of 20.74°C that exceeded the 1991–2020 baseline by more than 3°C and surpassed the previous regional record set in June 2025. Globally, June 2026 was the second-warmest June on record, trailing only June 2024, while global sea surface temperatures reached their highest level ever recorded for the month.
The most severe heatwave on record for Europe struck between June 20 and 28, exposing roughly 410 million Europeans to temperatures above 35°C, with France, Spain and Belgium among the hardest-hit nations. France, the Netherlands and Belgium reported a combined 3,700 additional deaths attributed to the extreme heat.
The World Health Organization warned that Europe could face 'deadlier weeks' if further heatwaves materialise, noting that fewer than half of European member states have heat-health action plans in place.