European Heat Wave: Heat Index Reaches Highest Levels Recorded

Europe's Ongoing Heat Wave: A Year in Review

Europe experienced a series of heat waves in 2023, the most notable of which was the Cerberus Heatwave, which brought record-breaking temperatures.

Since June 2023, every month has been the warmest on record for that month, and 2023 ranked as the warmest year ever.

Extended Summer Brings Heat, Wildfires, and Flooding

Heat Stress Impacts Mediterranean Region

ERA5-HEAT data shows widespread heat stress conditions across the Mediterranean region, with extremely high levels of heat stress reached in July 2023.

Wildfires and Flooding Compound Heat Impacts

The extended summer, from June to September, brought not only heat waves but also wildfires and droughts, as well as flooding.

Southern Europe Faces Continued Heat

CNN reports that blisteringly high temperatures are expected to continue across parts of southern Europe this week, as the continent braces for its second extreme heat wave of the year.

Temperature Anomalies Reach Record Highs

Top Average Surface Air Temperature Anomalies

• June 2023: 3.8 degrees Celsius
• July 2023: 4.2 degrees Celsius
• August 2023: 3.9 degrees Celsius

Bottom Average Surface Air Temperature Anomalies

• September 2023: 2.5 degrees Celsius
• October 2023: 1.8 degrees Celsius