WESTERN EUROPE RECORDS HOTTEST JUNE ON RECORD, EU SCIENTISTS SAY

Western Europe recorded its hottest June on record, according to the European Union's Copernicus climate service reporting cited by Le Monde. The finding adds regional climate data to a summer already marked by dangerous heat, wildfire pressure and rising public-health concern across Europe.

Le Monde reported that Western Europe's June heat was identified by the Copernicus program after a late-June heatwave that pushed temperatures above 41C in several regions. The heatwave hit Germany particularly hard, with the Robert Koch Institute estimating about 5,100 deaths, most of them during the week of June 22 to 28.

Germany recorded the highest death toll from Europe's latest heatwave, according to Le Monde. The Robert Koch Institute said 4,270 of the estimated deaths were among people over 75, while statistical models suggested excess mortality could have reached 6,800 during the peak week.

France also recorded a major mortality increase during the same period, according to Le Monde. The report said France experienced a 30% rise in deaths during the heatwave, though Germany's total was higher. Le Monde attributed part of the difference to variations in heat preparedness, climate norms and public-health response systems.

Reuters reported separately that France has recorded 131 drowning deaths since June 19 during the heatwave period, according to French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari. The fatalities were reported as people sought relief from extreme temperatures, adding another public-safety risk to the direct health effects of heat.

The heat has also affected nights, not only daytime highs. The Financial Times reported that parts of Europe are seeing more "tropical nights," when temperatures remain above 20C overnight. The report said high overnight temperatures can increase health risks by limiting sleep, hydration and physical recovery, especially in cities and in homes without air conditioning.

The data release comes as Europe faces overlapping heat and fire risks. AP reported that a deadly wildfire in southern Spain killed at least 12 people and burned roughly 66 square kilometers of forest and farmland, while France has also been dealing with multiple wildfires during its third heatwave of the summer.

The immediate questions are whether July continues the same pattern, whether health systems can reduce deaths during repeated heat events, and whether governments expand heat-action plans before the next severe episode. Copernicus data shows the regional climate signal, while national mortality and emergency reports show the consequences for public health, infrastructure and disaster response.

Fact-check date: 11 July 2026
Article type: News
Sources: Le Monde, Reuters, Financial Times, Associated Press, Copernicus climate reporting cited by Le Monde, Robert Koch Institute reporting cited by Le Monde