Overview
- Meteo‑France confirmed July 2026 was the hottest month since national records began in 1900 and said rainfall for the month was nearly 70% below the seasonal average.
- Dry soils and persistent heat have raised wildfire risk and fire conditions have already produced very large blazes, with one French fire reported to have burned about 42,000 hectares and Greek crews fighting a major blaze using more than 500 firefighters and over 30 aircraft.
- The fires and heat have caused direct human costs including multiple firefighter deaths in Greece and Crete and widespread losses of forest and farmland near Athens.
- The World Meteorological Organization warned that heatwaves in Europe are likely to grow longer and more intense as long as greenhouse gas emissions continue, with blocking high‑pressure patterns and warm seas amplifying short‑term extremes.
- Authorities say the heat, drought and fires are straining water supplies, agriculture, energy systems and health and emergency services and forecasts point to further extreme heat episodes that could increase fire danger and service disruptions.