June 2026 was the second-warmest June ever recorded globally, capping another month of extraordinary heat that scientists say underscores the growing risks posed by climate change.
According to the latest Climate Bulletin released by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the global average surface air temperature reached 16.54°C during June, making it 0.56°C warmer than the 1991–2020 average and 1.39°C above pre-industrial levels (1850–1900).
While June narrowly missed becoming the hottest on record globally, Western Europe experienced its warmest June ever, as an intense late-month heatwave pushed temperatures more than 3°C above the seasonal average in parts of the region.
The record-breaking temperatures extended beyond land. Copernicus reported that the average sea surface temperature outside the polar regions reached 20.86°C, the highest ever recorded for the month of June.
Scientists said unusually warm oceans are providing additional energy that can intensify storms, marine heatwaves and other extreme weather events.
Carlo Buontempo, Director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, said Europe had witnessed another example of how a warming climate is increasing the severity of extreme weather.
“The impact of heat on Europe during the June heatwaves was exceptional,” he said, noting that rising temperatures are placing increasing pressure on public health, infrastructure and ecosystems.
The findings come as climate scientists monitor the development of El Niño conditions in the tropical Pacific, which typically add further warmth to the global climate system. Copernicus said the combination of persistently warm oceans, strengthening El Niño conditions and repeated heatwaves is increasing climate-related risks worldwide.
Across Europe, the June heatwave disrupted daily life, forcing school closures in some areas, straining electricity systems and worsening wildfire conditions. Researchers estimate that extreme heat has already contributed to thousands of excess deaths across several European countries during recent heat events.
The latest figures reinforce a broader warming trend observed over recent years. Scientists caution that while not every month will break global temperature records, the frequency of near-record heat is increasing because of human-driven greenhouse gas emissions. As global temperatures continue to rise, heatwaves are expected to become more frequent, longer-lasting and more intense.
The findings carry implications far beyond Europe. Warmer oceans can alter rainfall patterns, strengthen tropical cyclones and affect fisheries, while higher global temperatures increase the likelihood of droughts, floods and heat stress in vulnerable regions, including Africa.
For countries such as Kenya, which are already preparing for a possible strong El Niño later this year, the latest Copernicus data adds to growing evidence that climate extremes are becoming the new normal and that investments in early warning systems and climate adaptation are becoming increasingly urgent.
