Europe is experiencing its most severe and widespread June heatwave on record, with scientists attributing the extreme temperatures and high humidity levels largely to human-induced climate change. The heatwave, which has affected 45 percent of cities across 30 European countries, has pushed daytime temperatures beyond safe limits for human health, according to a recent analysis by World Weather Attribution (WWA) researchers.

The combined heat and humidity, measured by the “wet bulb globe temperature” (WBGT) metric that accounts for sun exposure and wind, exceeded the danger threshold of 28°C in numerous urban areas. Daytime temperatures reached as high as 41°C in Paris and are forecast to peak at around 41°C in parts of Germany over the weekend. Vienna also faces the prospect of record-breaking temperatures near 40°C.

The United Kingdom saw its highest June temperature on record, with 37.3°C reported in Suffolk, marking the third consecutive day of record-breaking heat. In France, night-time temperatures remained elevated, with some areas reaching as high as 30°C. Such “tropical nights,” where temperatures do not fall below 20°C, increase health risks as the human body finds it harder to recover from daytime heat stress.

Residents in Paris sought relief in air-conditioned spaces, while city authorities banned alcohol consumption in public to reduce strain on emergency services. Experts noted that the high-pressure system responsible for the heatwave involved weather patterns typical for this time of year, with no significant influence from jet stream changes. Instead, the critical factor in amplifying the heat was the elevated background of global warming.

Since the start of the industrial era, the global temperature has risen by approximately 1.4°C due to greenhouse gas emissions. Comparisons with the historic 1976 heatwave, which affected a smaller geographic area over a 15-day span, highlight the increasing severity of current events. That earlier heatwave occurred when global warming was around 0.3°C and humidity levels were lower.

Scientists warn that without rapid mitigation efforts, heatwaves of this intensity could become more frequent, potentially occurring every other year. Europe remains the fastest-warming continent globally, and June is identified as the most rapidly warming month worldwide.

Researchers stress that the escalating heat extremes are a direct consequence of climate change and human activity. While the worsening trend is not inevitable, current response efforts are insufficient. Friederike Otto, professor of climate science at Imperial College London, emphasized the urgent need for implementation of solutions to reduce emissions and adapt to rising temperatures. The choices made today will determine the resilience of communities and the severity of future heat events.