Global sea surface temperatures reached a record high for July, according to Copernicus, as devastating heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires impacted western and central Europe.
Record low water levels in the Danube River, caused by a European heatwave and drought, have exposed a sunken Nazi warship in Serbia and disrupted tourism and industry. Hungary and Romania face an energy crisis as nuclear power plants reduce output due to insufficient cooling water, increasing reliance on electricity imports.
A massive wildfire in south-west France, four times the size of Paris, threatens to intensify with rising temperatures and strong winds, as three firefighters died in Greece and over 330,000 were evacuated across France and Spain amid a severe heatwave and drought affecting southern Europe.
Golf-ball-sized hailstones and severe thunderstorms have struck parts of France, Germany, and Poland, causing flooding and damage to property and agriculture. Concurrently, monsoon flooding in Bangladesh has killed at least 53 people, affected a million, and caused widespread disruption and displacement.
Package holiday operator Jet2 sees a 7.1% rise in summer bookings compared to last year, attributed to a fragile Middle East ceasefire and a European heatwave. Despite renewed Middle East tensions and EU border system delays, bookings have recovered across all destinations, with Turkey, Cyprus, and Greek islands showing the strongest rebound.
Swiss glaciers experienced an unusually early snow melt this summer due to a European heatwave, with the Rhone Glacier hitting its 'Glacier Loss Day' on June 29. Scientists link the extreme heat to climate change, which is accelerating ice loss and has been associated with thousands of excess deaths across Europe.
Paris Deputy Mayor Audrey Pulvar criticized American journalists and the US for its role in global warming, blaming the country's high greenhouse gas emissions and widespread air conditioning use for exacerbating Europe's record-breaking heatwave, which has caused over 1,300 excess deaths in France.
The EU Commission stated it would not micromanage air conditioning use, despite a heated political debate in France and Europe's record heatwave. The bloc considers heating, cooling, and energy efficiency part of a new housing policy under development.
A European heatwave sparks massive demand for Chinese air conditioners and fans, with Alibaba's AliExpress and Alibaba.com seeing triple-digit growth in sales, particularly in Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden, and Belgium.
Switzerland's glaciers are on track for massive ice loss this year, with "glacier loss day" expected Monday, the second earliest on record. Heatwaves, poor snowfall, and Sahara dust are accelerating melt, mirroring 2022's record year. Scientists link Europe's extreme heat to climate change.
A deadly heatwave, causing hundreds of deaths and saturating hospitals, is moving east across Europe. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group confirm that human-caused climate change made this record-breaking heatwave "virtually impossible" without it, intensifying night-time temperatures.
Record-breaking temperatures across Europe have prompted health warnings and emergency measures. London's ambulance service saw its busiest day with a rise in cardiac arrests, while Paris implemented public alcohol restrictions. Officials urge people to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity.
European officials warn against heatwave risks as health services report a surge in emergencies, including cardiac arrests, in London and Paris. Restrictions on alcohol and advice to avoid strenuous exercise are issued to prevent dehydration and heatstroke.
Singapore's cooling strategy, developed by Lee Kuan Yew, is receiving praise in Europe during a deadly heatwave. Elon Musk called the late statesman a "genius" for his foresight in embracing air conditioning as temperatures break records across the continent.
Switzerland recorded its hottest June temperature at 38°C in Basel on Thursday, surpassing a 1947 record. The heatwave, affecting Western Europe, is expected to persist, with France reporting 40 drowning deaths and the UK's Met Office noting a 40% chance of breaking its June record.
Air conditioning and building efficiency stocks surged as a severe heatwave gripped Europe, prompting red weather alerts. Companies like Saint Gobain, Beijer Ref, NIBE Industrier, Ariston, and Rockwool saw significant gains due to increased demand for climate control and insulation solutions.
