Copernicus: June and July Record Hottest in Western Europe

The European observation agency Copernicus has reported that June and July were the hottest ever recorded in Western Europe. The average temperature in this area reached 21.62 degrees Celsius, exceeding the benchmark by 2.79 degrees.

The climatic conditions contributed to a significant decrease in soil moisture, which was found to be 'significantly lower' compared to the same period last year, when a severe drought occurred.

These climatic anomalies have also led to the spread of extreme wildfires, which have intensified due to the lack of moisture and high temperatures. The fires have been reported as particularly intense and widespread in various regions of the area.

Additionally, Copernicus highlighted that sea surface temperatures reached record values for the month of July, further illustrating the impact of prolonged heat on marine and coastal ecosystems.

The combination of heatwaves, exceptional drought, and wildfires has had significant repercussions, not only on the environment but also on economic activities, particularly on river transport. For instance, the Rhine River, one of the main navigable waterways in Germany, is threatened by an anomaly in reduced water flow.

Copernicus warned that Europe is the continent warming most rapidly in the world, and the current situation reflects an increasing climate change that requires immediate attention to mitigate environmental and economic damage.