June 2026 was the second-hottest June on record globally, with an average temperature of 16.54°C (61.77°F), trailing only June 2024 (16.66°C/61.98°F). Western Europe recorded its hottest June ever, with temperatures reaching 20.74°C (69.33°F), 3.05°C above the 1991–2020 average. The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) attributed these records to the ongoing Super El Niño and climate change.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
- Global Temperature Records: June 2026 was the second-hottest June globally, with temperatures 0.56°C above the 1991–2020 average and 1.39°C above pre-industrial levels.
- Western Europe’s Heatwave: Western Europe experienced its hottest June on record, with temperatures 3.05°C above the 1991–2020 average, driven by a record-breaking heatwave in late June.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Climate Change and El Niño
Experts from C3S and the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) linked the extreme temperatures to climate change and the Super El Niño. Samantha Burgess, Strategic Lead for Climate at ECMWF, stated that the records reflect a climate system accumulating heat, leading to intense heatwaves and warm oceans. The heatwave in June followed another in May and preceded another in July, raising concerns about the frequency and intensity of such events.
Health and Environmental Impacts
The heatwave contributed to severe health impacts, including heat-related deaths, and fueled wildfires in southern France. Over 11,000 acres burned, forcing approximately 10,000 evacuations. French officials reported dozens of drowning deaths linked to the heat. Drought conditions exacerbated the wildfires, highlighting the broader risks to ecosystems and infrastructure.
Global and Regional Perspectives
While Western Europe faced unprecedented heat, the global temperature anomaly of 0.56°C above the 1991–2020 average underscored the widespread nature of the warming trend. The Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts also experienced marine heatwaves, further illustrating the interconnectedness of climate systems.
Policy and Future Implications
The data underscores the need for climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Governments and organizations are likely to face increasing pressure to address the health, environmental, and economic consequences of rising temperatures. The succession of heatwaves raises questions about the resilience of infrastructure and public health systems in the face of climate change.