A recent study has concluded that climate change was ‘unequivocally’ behind the extreme heat seen across Europe during the latest heatwave. The research comes as the UK experiences one of its hottest starts to summer on record, with temperatures reaching 36.7°C and heat alerts issued across parts of the country.
While individual heatwaves are a natural part of the climate, scientists say the evidence is becoming increasingly clear that climate change is making these extreme events more frequent, more intense and longer lasting. Recent research has strengthened the link between human-driven climate change and the extreme temperatures seen across Europe this year.
A Record-Breaking June
The latest heatwave has seen the UK record its hottest June day on record, with temperatures reaching 36.7°C. Similar records have also been broken across France, Spain, Switzerland and other parts of Western Europe as an unusually powerful heat dome settled over the region.
The Met Office issued rare Red Extreme Heat Warnings for parts of England, warning that the high temperatures could pose a risk to life and significantly impact transport, infrastructure and public services. The UK Health Security Agency also issued Heat-Health Alerts throughout the period.
Heatwaves are defined by the Met Office as prolonged periods where temperatures exceed regional thresholds for at least three consecutive days. While the UK has always experienced occasional hot spells, these events are becoming more common as average global temperatures continue to rise.
What Does the Science Say?
One of the key questions following every major heatwave is whether climate change played a role. Scientists are careful not to say that climate change “caused” a specific weather event on its own. Instead, they study how much more likely or more severe an event became because of rising global temperatures. This year’s findings are particularly significant.
Researchers from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group concluded that the current European heatwave would have been virtually impossible without human-induced climate change. Their analysis found that climate change has increased temperatures during this event by several degrees compared with a world without rising greenhouse gas emissions.
A Growing Global Concern
Speaking during London Climate Action Week on one of the UK’s hottest days of the year, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described the world as facing “two crises” simultaneously: climate change and continued dependence on fossil fuels.
His comments highlighted concerns that rising temperatures are increasing the risk of extreme weather while global economies remain heavily reliant on energy sources that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Although opinions differ on how countries should respond, there is broad scientific agreement that continued warming is expected to increase the frequency of extreme heat events across many parts of the world.
The Impact Beyond the Weather
Extreme heat affects far more than comfort levels. High temperatures can place additional pressure on hospitals, transport networks, power systems and water supplies. Schools may close, rail services can be disrupted and businesses may need to adjust working hours to protect staff.
Industries such as construction, manufacturing and agriculture are particularly vulnerable, as outdoor work becomes more difficult during periods of extreme heat. Even relatively short heatwaves can reduce productivity across parts of Europe.
There are also health risks, especially for older people, young children and those with existing medical conditions. Heat exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke become more common during prolonged hot weather, which is why public health organisations issue heat alerts and advice during these events.
Climate experts expect heatwaves to become a more regular feature of UK summers over the coming decades.
This does not mean every summer will be hotter than the last, but the long-term trend points towards warmer average temperatures and an increased likelihood of extreme heat. The UK has already experienced several record-breaking temperature events in recent years, including exceeding 40°C for the first time in 2022.
As research continues, one message is becoming increasingly consistent: while individual weather events are influenced by many factors, climate change is making extreme heat more likely. This growing body of evidence underpins the UK’s long-term climate strategy, including its legally binding target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, while similar efforts continue to be prioritised internationally.
