The global ocean surface temperature outside polar regions averaged 20.96C in July, surpassing the previous record of 20.89C set in 2023, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. The warming was partly attributed to developing El Niño conditions in the Pacific, a natural weather pattern that intensifies when combined with human-driven climate change. Last month ranked as the joint second-warmest July globally on record, with temperatures running 1.47C above pre-industrial levels.
Western Europe experienced particularly severe impacts during the period. Average temperatures across the region for June and July reached 21.62C, approximately 2.79C above normal and the highest recorded for that two-month span. The exceptional warmth was driven by persistent high-pressure systems that trapped heat, while reduced soil moisture limited natural cooling effects. Major wildfires swept across multiple countries including France and Spain, with smoke and emissions at exceptional levels. Scientists attributed the intensifying heat extremes to climate change, which increasingly reinforces connections between heat and drought conditions.
Hydrodrological impacts extended across the continent as river levels fell significantly below average. The Seine, Rhine, and Danube rivers were particularly affected, creating pressure on water supplies, irrigation systems, aquatic ecosystems, and energy production. In the United Kingdom, England and Wales recorded their driest July in 190 years of record-keeping. Drought declarations were issued across much of England and all of Wales, with authorities warning additional areas could receive drought status if dry conditions continued. The UK also faced its fifth heatwave of the year as of the article’s publication.
Expert commentary emphasized the accelerating pace of climate change. Scientists noted that weather once considered extreme is becoming routine, and that current global temperatures are approximately 1.4C warmer than late 19th century levels. El Niño conditions were forecast to strengthen in coming months, potentially pushing global temperatures even higher against the backdrop of ongoing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning.
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