Europe’s Scorching Summer

Earth Observatory 

6 min read

Europe’s Scorching SummerImage of the Day for August 21, 2026

A series of heat waves in 2026 is breaking records and taking a toll in Europe.

NASA Earth Observatory

Aug 21, 2026 Article

View more Images of the Day:Aug 20, 2026Instruments:

• Model

Topics:

• Extreme Temperatures
• Heat & Radiation

have documented in European cities during heat waves than in comparable American cities. "Longer term, cities can also plant trees, expand parks, use reflective roof paint, and transition to building materials less likely to retain heat,” Shreevastava said.

An analysis from the World Health Organization indicates that heat stress is the world’s leading cause of weather-related deaths, noting it exacerbates underlying illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, and asthma. Researchers have calculated that roughly 489,000 heat-related deaths occur each year, with 45 percent of the deaths in Asia and 36 percent in Europe.

"For older adults with physical health problems, temperatures as low as 26.7°C (80°F) can pose significant danger," said Deborah Carr, a Boston University sociologist who specializes in the study of aging. "Nighttime heat is especially harmful for older adults whose homes lack air conditioning."

Carr is part of a research team that used demographic data, along with Tracking Western Europe’s heatwave. Accessed August 20, 2026.

World Meteorological Organization (2026, August 12) Record-breaking heat and extreme weather continue. Accessed August 20, 2026.

World Resources Institute (2026, June 30) Europe’s Soaring Heat and the Great Air Conditioning Dilemma.  Accessed August 20, 2026.

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