Copernicus Climate Service Reports Hottest June and July on Record in Western Europe

Dried-Up Rivers in France and Germany

In France, several rivers dried up according to the service's observations, including the Seine, whose levels lay significantly below seasonal averages. Above-average water temperatures were also measured along the Atlantic coast and in the Mediterranean region.

In Germany, the Rhine and the Danube were particularly affected by falling water levels, restricting shipping and complicating the supply of cooling water for power plants and industry. Authorities in some regions called for reduced water consumption.

Bavaria: Farmers Struggle Against Feed Shortages

The drought hit agriculture particularly hard. In Bavaria, farmers had to seek solutions for feed shortages due to the persistent drought and lack of precipitation, as the report notes: „wegen zu wenig Regen mussten Landwirte Lösungen für die Futterknappheit finden".

The consequences reached into the food supply: feed grain became scarce, pastureland withered, and some farms had to stable livestock earlier than usual or sell animals to safeguard their stocks. Industry associations demanded short-term aid and tax relief.

Scientists at Copernicus emphasise that such heat records are in line with the expectations of a warming atmosphere. The simultaneous occurrence of soil moisture deficits additionally amplifies the temperature rise.

The Pacific and the Mediterranean Intensify the Heat Situation

In parallel, measurement stations over the Pacific registered another anomaly: sea surface temperatures in large areas lay significantly above the average of comparable years, which according to climate researchers can influence global circulation.

The service also pointed to the close link between heatwaves in Western Europe and the warming of the Mediterranean. Warm seawater favours stable high-pressure systems that trap heat over continental Europe.

For the coming weeks, Copernicus models anticipate a continuation of above-average temperatures if precipitation remains absent. Authorities in Germany and France prepared plans for further restrictions on water use.

Outlook: More Heat Without Rain Expected

Overall, the report paints a picture of a region that must adapt to more frequent and intense heatwaves. Alongside short-term emergency measures, experts are calling for better early warning systems, a crisis-resilient water supply, and more heat protection in cities.

The European Environment Agency and national weather services intend to continue analysing the data in the coming weeks to more precisely quantify regional impacts on health, agriculture, and infrastructure.

authorities in Germany and France are preparing additional restrictions on water use in the coming weeks

short-term aid for affected agricultural operations is being demanded by industry associations