World's oceans hit record-high July temperatures

Global oceans experienced their hottest July on record, with developing El Niño conditions contributing to the extreme heat. Western Europe, in particular, endured its hottest June and July period, with average temperatures 2.79°C above normal. Persistent high-pressure systems trapped heat, while dry soils limited natural cooling, leading to exceptionally low rainfall and soil moisture across France, Spain, Germany, and the UK. These conditions have resulted in significantly lower river levels, impacting water supplies, aquatic ecosystems, river transport, and energy production. Climate change is identified as a factor intensifying these heat extremes, with heat and drought mutually reinforcing each other.

Western Europe experienced its hottest June and July on record this summer, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). The region's average temperature for these two months was 21.62 degrees Celsius, significantly above average and surpassing the previous record set in 2022. This exceptional heat was attributed to persistent high-pressure systems trapping warmth. Historically low rainfall further exacerbated the situation, leading to significantly lower soil moisture levels compared to the previous year's drought. The extreme temperatures and drought amplified each other, with drying soils reducing natural cooling. Consequently, several rivers saw exceptionally low water levels, impacting water supplies and leading some nuclear power plants to operate at reduced capacity.

Western Europe has set a new average temperature record for the June-July period, surpassing the previous record from 2022, according to the European climate agency Copernicus. This extreme heat, which began in May, has led to significant wildfires, prolonged drought, and new national temperature records across the region, with thousands of heat-related deaths projected. Globally, 2026 is currently the third-hottest year on record, and scientists suggest it could become the hottest year overall due to human-caused global warming and El Niño conditions. July also saw the highest average sea surface temperature ever recorded for the month. The persistent high-pressure systems trapping heat in Western Europe are exacerbating drought conditions, creating a reinforcing cycle of heat and dryness.

In July, the world's seas outside polar regions reached their hottest average surface temperature on record, surpassing the previous July high set in 2023. The EU's Copernicus climate change service reported record July sea surface temperatures along the Atlantic coast and in the western Mediterranean, contributing to severe marine heatwaves in Europe. Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July period on record, with exceptional heat driving wildfires and causing widespread drought. This persistent heat, amplified by dry soils, has led to significant economic impacts, including billions in lost crops and potential long-term damage to industries. Additionally, the hot, dry, and windy conditions have created favorable circumstances for mega-wildfires across the EU.