The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has declared June and July 2026 as the hottest on record for Western Europe, with an average temperature of 21.62 degrees Celsius (70.9 degrees Fahrenheit), a staggering 2.79C (5.01F) above the average. This unprecedented heatwave, which has persisted since May, is a stark manifestation of climate change intensifying extreme temperatures, as stated by Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. The prolonged high-pressure systems have trapped heat over Western Europe, causing widespread drought and amplifying its effects. Soil moisture levels have plummeted, with levels in July 2026 significantly lower than those during the last severe drought in 2022. The drought has fueled devastating wildfires in France and Spain, with a megafire in southwestern France's Gironde department burning nearly 42,000 hectares (103,785 acres) and forcing the evacuation of over 220,000 people. Meanwhile, Spain has grappled with its largest wildfire in recent history, scorching almost 44,000 hectares (108,725 acres) in Avila province near Madrid. The record heat and drought have also caused several rivers, such as the Seine, Rhine, and Danube, to experience exceptionally low water levels, affecting water supplies and irrigation. This has led Hungary and Slovenia to operate their nuclear power plants at reduced capacity, while France and Spain have registered record levels of drought. Furthermore, large fires can send smoke high into the atmosphere, allowing it to travel thousands of kilometers and affect air quality in other countries. In addition, July 2026 saw the highest sea surface temperatures on record outside the polar regions, with an average sea surface temperature of 20.96C (69.7F), slightly higher than the previous record of 20.89C (69.6F) in 2023.