World records hottest-ever July sea temperatures amid Europe heatwaves

The world’s seas recorded their hottest July on record last month as extreme heat, drought and wildfires continued across Europe, scientists have said.

Global average sea surface temperatures outside the polar regions reached their highest level recorded for July, surpassing the previous record set in 2023, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Record July sea temperatures were also measured along the Atlantic coast and western Mediterranean, where severe marine heatwaves have developed.

Meanwhile, July 2026 was effectively tied with July 2024 as the second-hottest July globally for surface air temperatures.

Western Europe also recorded its hottest June-July period, with temperatures during the first two months of summer averaging 2.79C above normal.

Samantha Burgess, a climate scientist at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, said the summer was “a clear example” of climate change intensifying connected weather extremes.

“[As] persistent high-pressure systems trapped heat over western Europe, the extreme temperatures also amplified widespread drought,” she said.

Copernicus said unusually dry conditions intensified in July across France, Spain and parts of Germany and the UK.

About half a million hectares have burned across the EU this year, while hot, dry and windy conditions have increased the risk of major wildfires.