Bracing for Heat: How Climate Scientists Warn Europe is Experiencing Intensifying Heatwaves

Brussels, Europe is facing earlier and more intense heatwaves because of climate change, according to Julien Nicolas, a senior scientist at the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). A recent climate bulletin reported that June was the hottest on record for Western Europe, with average temperatures reaching 20.49 degrees Celsius—about 2.81 degrees higher than normal.

These heatwaves typically happen in mid-July or August, but now they’re starting much earlier. This shift aligns with long-term warming trends. The intense heat recently affected several countries, including Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the UK.

One major factor is the “heat domes,” which are persistent high-pressure systems that trap warm air and boost temperatures. Nicolas also noted an unprecedented marine heatwave in the western Mediterranean, where sea surface temperatures reached an average of 27 degrees Celsius—a record for June.

The Mediterranean is seen as a “climate change hotspot.” In 2024, it experienced record sea temperatures, especially in late summer. This year, though, the temperature spikes happened earlier and were mostly in the western region.

These conditions are causing more “tropical nights,” where temperatures remain above 20 degrees Celsius overnight. These warm nights can disrupt sleep and hinder recovery from daytime heat, posing serious health risks, according to Nicolas.

Nicolas pointed out that Arctic amplification, where decreasing snow and ice lead to increased warming, also changes atmospheric patterns, affecting the jet stream. A more unstable jet stream can lead to prolonged and extreme weather conditions.

Looking ahead, seasonal forecasts from C3S suggest a warmer and drier summer, especially in eastern and southeastern Europe. Nicolas warned, “We should expect more heatwaves as the climate continues to warm.”

He emphasized the urgent need for action to address climate change, urging the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. “Clearly, climate action is more urgent than ever,” he stated. This call to action resonates globally, as social media trends increasingly reflect public concern over climate issues.

In a recent survey by the European Investment Bank, 62% of Europeans expressed concern about climate change, showing that many are eager for solutions. This growing awareness highlights the need for collective efforts to tackle climate change. More than ever, our environment demands our attention and action.

For further insights, you can check the full C3S climate report [here](https://climate.copernicus.eu). The future of our planet relies on what we do today.

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