Global warming in July: Heat record in 23 countries

Global temperatures reached record highs in July, with 23 countries experiencing their hottest July since 1940, according to an analysis by taz based on data from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. The heatwave affected nearly all nations worldwide, even reaching Antarctica, where temperatures were unusually high for the winter months. In France, Tunisia, and other regions, temperatures exceeded historical averages by up to 4.5 degrees Celsius. The global average temperature during July was approximately 1.47 degrees higher than pre-industrial levels, underscoring the accelerating effects of climate change. The impact of this extreme weather was widespread. In Spain, Russia, and several Central American and Sahelian African nations, residents faced unprecedented heat conditions. These areas collectively house around one billion people, representing roughly 12 percent of the world's population. According to the French news agency AFP, the number of countries with record-breaking July temperatures rose to 33, affecting nearly 900 million individuals. Meanwhile, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed that July 2026 was the hottest July on record in the United States, with over 350 million people living there. In the taz analysis, the U.S. came very close to its own historical record. Temperature anomalies varied significantly across regions. Brazil recorded a 1.4-degree increase, while Russia saw deviations of nearly 2 degrees. In Ethiopia and the Philippines, the temperature differences were even more pronounced, with readings of 2.4 and 1.1 degrees above normal, respectively. Across Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Chad, and Mauritania all experienced their hottest Julies on record. In the Americas, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama, Guyana, and Suriname also broke temperature records. Jamaica, Sri Lanka, and the Bahamas were similarly impacted. Ocean temperatures also reached new peaks, with the Copernicus service noting that sea surface temperatures hit historic highs. Even in Antarctica, where winter typically brings colder conditions, temperatures averaged -42.7 degrees Celsius, about 0.2 degrees warmer than usual. This anomaly highlights how climate change is altering patterns in even the most remote parts of the globe. The warming trend has become so pronounced that, except for the island nations of Fiji and Vanuatu, every country recorded average temperatures above the 1961–1990 reference period used for climatic comparisons. The consequences of these extreme conditions have been severe. Wildfires have spread across Europe and the United States, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. In the Netherlands, a nature reserve caught fire, while over 700 buildings burned down in the state of Washington. Greece also saw extensive forest fires. In North Africa, power and water shortages led to protests and unrest, with citizens demanding government action in Libya and Tunisia. The combination of extreme heat and resource scarcity has heightened social tensions in multiple regions. As the summer continues, scientists warn that such extreme weather events will likely become more frequent and intense. Governments and communities are being urged to prepare for longer heatwaves, increased risk of wildfires, and potential food and water shortages. While some political parties, including Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), have gained traction in recent elections, activists stress the importance of unity and solidarity in addressing the crisis. Civil society groups are working to support local initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and promoting sustainable practices.