Europe’s record-breaking heat wave is the worst ever recorded, researchers say

Europe’s current heat wave, which has seen temperatures surpass 46°C in multiple regions, is the most severe on record, according to a June 2024 report by researchers. The event, described as “virtually impossible” just a few decades ago, has shattered previous records by margins not seen in decades, with France experiencing its hottest week since 1947, according to the French Met Office.

What makes this heat wave unprecedented?

The heat wave, which began in late May 2024, has been fueled by a persistent high-pressure system over the continent, trapping hot air and preventing cooler air from moving in.

France’s heat this week was particularly extreme, with the town of Carcassonne hitting 46.4°C on June 18. This surpassed the previous national record of 44.1°C set in 2003, a year marked by heat-related deaths across Europe. The European Environment Agency (EEA) noted that the 2024 heat wave has already caused 120 excess deaths in France alone, with hospital emergency rooms reporting a significant increase in heat-related admissions.

How does climate change amplify these events?

Researchers linked the heat wave to human-driven emissions.

The World Weather Attribution (WWA) initiative, a group of climate scientists, estimated that the current heat wave was made five times more likely by climate change. “We’re seeing a pattern where extreme weather events that were once rare are now becoming common,” said WWA lead researcher Friederike Otto. “This is a warning sign for the future.”

What are the global implications?

The heat wave has already triggered wildfires in Spain and Greece, with thousands of hectares burned in the first two weeks of June. In Italy, the Po River’s water levels dropped to 30-year lows, threatening agriculture and hydropower. The United Nations warned that such events will become more frequent, urging governments to accelerate emissions cuts.