Summer 2026 Made History in Italy with Record Temperatures

The Italian National Research Council (CNR) examined the temperature data kept by the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) since 1950. In the statement, it was stated that the average temperature across the country in the summer of 2026 reached 24.3 degrees, and this value surpassed the summer of 2003, when the previous highest temperature average was recorded with 23.6 degrees.

According to the data, while temperature values ​​were above long-term averages in the January-August period, the highest difference occurred in August. The average temperature across the country in August was 25.6 degrees, reaching the highest level since 1950.

'2026 MAY BE THE HOTEST YEAR'

CNR Bioeconomy Institute researcher Lorenzo Arcidiaco said that the data obtained indicates that 2026 may be the hottest year measured since 1950. Arcidiaco said, "July and August broke consecutive temperature records for the first time. Approximately 70 percent of the country's territory was exposed to temperatures 1 degree above seasonal norms, and 40 percent were 2 degrees above. Heat waves especially hit agricultural areas and regions struggling with drought."

Experts stated that it is estimated that 5 thousand to 7 thousand additional deaths may have occurred in the country in connection with temperatures above seasonal norms.

MARMOLADA GLACIER MELTED AT RECORD LEVEL

Extreme heat waves also caused ice loss in the Marmolada Glacier, the largest glacier in the Dolomite Mountains. In the joint report published by the University of Padua, Veneto Environmental Protection Agency and the Italian Glaciology Foundation, it was noted that the area covered by the glacier decreased from 92 hectares to 83 hectares in one year.

Mauro Varotto from the University of Padua pointed out that the glacier has thinned by an average of 23 meters and warned, "The melting trend seen in recent years has worsened. The glacier lost 9 hectares of area in just one year. If the temperatures experienced this summer are repeated, the lifespan of the Marmolada Glacier may be reduced to approximately 10 years."

A similar melting and mass loss in Marmolada last occurred in 2022, and 11 climbers lost their lives in the glacier collapse that occurred after the heat wave.