Half of Europe faced record heat stress this summer

Just over half of Europe experienced "very strong" heat stress at times this summer, exposing a record-high share of the continent to the health risks of extreme heat, the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service said Friday. The 52% figure is the highest on record. Copernicus defines "very strong" heat stress as conditions that feel like at least 38°C (100°F) — heat plus humidity the body can't sweat away.

Western Europe had its hottest summer since records began, logging 13 days of very strong heat stress, while Europe's rivers recorded their lowest flows in more than three decades. Around 80% of the continent saw "strong" heat stress (feels-like above 32°C) on a record 41 days. Four of Europe's ten worst heatwaves happened this past summer alone. Human-caused climate change has made Europe the world's fastest-warming continent, per the World Meteorological Organization.

Sources: Reuters