2024 Climate Report: Europe Faces Its Hottest Year on Record with Alarming Weather Extremes

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently published the European State of the Climate 2024 (ESOTC 2024). This report highlights how dramatically the climate in Europe is changing. Released on April 15, 2025, it reveals that 2024 was the warmest year on record for the continent, with serious climate extremes affecting people, nature, and economies across Europe.

Nearly 100 scientists contributed to the ESOTC 2024, which notes alarming increases in heat, rising sea temperatures, flooding, and wildfires, supported by satellite images and advanced climate monitoring systems from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).

Here are some key highlights:

• Record Heat: 2024 marked Europe’s hottest year ever, with regions in central and southeastern Europe facing intense heat waves. Around 60% of the continent dealt with significant heat stress, making it one of the most extreme years on record.
• Sea Surface Temperature: The Mediterranean saw unprecedented warming, with temperatures hitting 1.2°C above the average, stressing marine life and coastal economies.
• East-West Climate Divide: A stark difference emerged between eastern and western Europe. Flooding was widespread, affecting a third of the river network and resulting in at least 335 lives lost and 413,000 people impacted.

Further signs of climate change appeared in unusual weather patterns across Europe:

• Frost Days: Only 31% of land experienced at least 90 frost days, down from an average of 50%. This decline indicates shorter winters, contributing to rising temperatures.
• Glacier Loss: Every prominent glacier region in Europe saw significant ice loss due to prolonged heat. Glaciers in Scandinavia faced their highest mass loss rates, influenced by lower snowfall.
• Wildfires: In Portugal, wildfires devastated 110,000 hectares in just one week in September, accounting for a major portion of the continent’s burned area.

Despite these alarming trends, there are some positive developments:

• Renewable Energy Surge: Renewables provided 45% of Europe’s electricity in 2024—a record high. This progress in cleaner energy sources highlights a shift towards decarbonization, even amid rising energy demands.
• Urban Adaptation Plans: Now, 51% of European cities have implemented climate adaptation strategies. Yet experts stress the need to speed up these efforts to cope with the rapid changes in climate.

Experts weighed in on the urgency of addressing climate change. Florence Rabier, Director-General at ECMWF, said, “The ESOTC offers essential, science-based information for planning climate adaptation.” WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized that even small temperature changes can have significant implications, urging everyone to work collectively and urgently. Carlo Buontempo, Director of C3S, called the report a vital resource, noting that the data collected must lead to informed climate decisions.

This report serves as a wake-up call for Europe, illustrating the immediate need for stronger climate action. With the continent warming faster than any other, the focus must now shift to investing in science, improving early warning systems, reducing emissions, and building resilient communities.

In light of this report, we see how interconnected our lives are with the climate. A recent survey found that 78% of Europeans are concerned about climate change and its impacts, reflecting a growing awareness of the urgent need for action.

For more information on climate data, check out the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Check out this related article: Study Reveals Shocking Impact of Pet Dogs on Wildlife, Ecosystems, and Climate: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

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Copernicus Climate Change Service, World Meteorological Organization, European State of the Climate 2024