Scientists have declared today, Friday, that the record-breaking heatwave gripping Western Europe would not have occurred without human-caused climate change, which has increased the likelihood of extreme nighttime temperatures this week by a factor of 100 compared to just two decades ago.
The World Weather Attribution group, composed of climate scientists, reported in their analysis, “In the area under study, this heatwave is the most severe on record.”
On Thursday, Britain recorded its highest-ever June temperature amid a blistering heat wave that has claimed dozens of lives, disrupted power supplies, and led to the closure of schools and cultural landmarks.
The group's analysis concluded that global warming has intensified heatwaves in Europe over the past few decades.
The research showed that out of more than 800 European cities whose data were analyzed, 45 percent have already recorded or are expected to record the highest levels of heat stress at the end of June. Heat stress occurs when the body cannot cool itself through sweating.
Scientists emphasize through years of studies that global warming increases the likelihood of heatwaves and makes them more intense.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, greenhouse gas emissions have raised the planet's average temperature by about 1.4 degrees Celsius since the 19th century.
Europe is the continent experiencing the fastest temperature rise globally.
The World Weather Attribution analysis indicated that the health impacts of this heatwave have already begun to emerge, referencing a scientific study that concluded more than 60,000 people died from heat-related causes during a series of heatwaves in the summer of 2022.
The health risks from heatwaves are exacerbated by extreme nighttime temperatures, which impair the body's ability to recover from daytime stress. In parts of France, nighttime temperatures have remained above 20 degrees Celsius for more than a week.