Europe Records Hottest June-July as Heatwaves, Drought and Wildfires Intensify
Extreme heat, drought and wildfires are intensifying across the Northern Hemisphere while flash flooding hits parts of the central United States and severe drought returns to Ethiopia's Tigray region.
Record Heat Grips Western Europe
Western Europe has endured its hottest June-July period on record. [3] July was tied for the second-warmest globally, with average surface air temperatures 1.47 degrees Celsius above the estimated pre-industrial level. [3] Sea-surface temperatures reached their highest recorded level for July. [3] Several Western European countries are experiencing their fourth heatwave of the summer. [3] Temperatures are forecast to climb further this week, with France expected to see readings above 35 degrees Celsius across large areas. [3] Switzerland has issued a Level 3 heat alert for temperatures exceeding 35 degrees. [3] Parts of southern England could reach 36 degrees Celsius by Thursday, according to the UK Met Office. [3]
Drought, Wildfires and Health Risks Escalate
The persistent heat is worsening drought conditions across parts of Europe. [3] Dry conditions are increasing the risk of wildfires, with large areas of the Northern Hemisphere already battling fires. [3] The World Health Organization is warning that wildfire smoke presents a serious public health risk, particularly because of fine particulate matter. [3] Exposure to wildfire smoke is associated with premature deaths and can cause or worsen diseases affecting the lungs, heart, brain and nervous system, as well as the skin, kidneys and eyes. [3] Firefighters and emergency workers face additional risks from burns, injuries and prolonged exposure to heavy smoke. [3] Children, older people, pregnant women and those living with chronic illnesses are among the most vulnerable. [3]
WMO Links Extremes to Climate Change
The World Meteorological Organization says the warming climate is making heatwaves more frequent, intense, longer and more widespread. [3] The scale of today's heat is striking when compared with conditions five decades ago. [3] In June 1976, atmospheric pressure patterns were similar to those seen this year, yet isolated areas experienced above-average temperatures in a much cooler world. [3] The situation has effectively been reversed now. [3] Extreme heat is becoming more frequent, more intense, lasting longer and covering wider areas. [3] The current pattern reflects both long-term global warming and persistent high- and low-pressure systems. [3] Extreme temperatures are no longer isolated events but part of a broader pattern of a warmer world. [3]
Flash Flooding Strikes Central Indiana
A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for Shelby County in central Indiana until 745 PM EDT. [1] Between 2 and 4 inches of rain have fallen, with additional rainfall amounts up to 2 inches possible in the warned area. [1] Flash flooding is already occurring. [1] A separate Flood Warning covers eastern Franklin County in southeastern Indiana, Butler County in southwestern Ohio and north central Hamilton County in southwestern Ohio until 815 PM EDT Wednesday. [2] Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. [2] Local law enforcement reported ongoing flooding in the warned area. [2]
Drought Devastates Livestock and Crops in Tigray
Severe drought has killed thousands of livestock and left over 4,000 hectares of farmland without satisfactory yields in Abergelle Yechila district in the Central Tigray Zone. [5] Hundreds of cattle, sheep and goats perished due to severe water and fodder shortages. [5] More than 10 kebeles in the district are facing critical drought-induced devastation, with at least two receiving not a single drop of rain during the current kiremt rainy season. [5] Farmers in the affected kebeles have been forced to plow and sow their fields two to three times because of inadequate rainfall. [5] In five kebeles more than 2,900 hectares of farmland had been resown for a second time. [5] The prolonged rainfall deficit has dried up water sources, creating acute shortages of drinking water and animal feed. [5] Livestock from Gera and Simret kebeles had been moved to neighboring woredas in search of water and pasture. [5] Similar patterns are recorded in Irob Woreda, where more than 62,000 livestock are facing fodder shortages due to a prolonged lack of rainfall. [5] Crops have failed to sprout on 778 hectares of cultivated land across six kebeles in the woreda. [5]
Broader Northern Hemisphere Weather Pattern
Western Europe recorded its hottest June-July period on record while extreme heat, drought and wildfires grip parts of the Northern Hemisphere. [3] The combination of extreme heat, prolonged dryness and high fire risk is placing additional pressure on emergency services and communities. [3] Severe drought has returned to Ethiopia's Tigray region, where the current crisis comes amid a longer-running pattern of drought-related humanitarian emergencies. [5] The recurrence of severe drought in a region still grappling with the consequences of conflict, displacement and disrupted livelihoods underscores the vulnerability of communities in Tigray to another climate-driven shock. [5]
What to watch next: Authorities face growing pressure to protect populations from the combined threats of extreme heat, drought and wildfire smoke, while governmental and non-governmental organizations are called on to provide urgent assistance including fast-maturing crop varieties and animal feed to drought-affected communities in Tigray.
