Europe’s severe June heatwave ‘virtually impossible’ 50 years ago, climate scientists say
A severe heatwave has hit Europe, with the World Weather Attribution group stating the event would have been virtually impossible 50 years ago. Human-driven climate change is cited as unequivocally responsible for the record-breaking temperatures. In Paris, the heat has led to the suspension of sports events and public alcohol consumption.
What changed
New analysis identifies human-caused climate change as the primary driver of the current record heatwave.
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Scientists: Europe's June Heatwave Virtually Impossible 50 Years Ago
confidence 90%A severe heatwave has hit Europe, with the World Weather Attribution group stating the event would have been virtually impossible 50 years ago. Human-driven climate change is cited as unequivocally responsible for the record-breaking temperatures. In Paris, the heat has led to the suspension of sports events and public alcohol consumption.
What's confirmed:
- The World Weather Attribution group stated the extreme June heat would have been virtually impossible 50 years ago.
- Human-driven climate change is unequivocally to blame for the heatwave.
- Paris suspended public alcohol consumption and sports events due to the heat.
- This event is the most severe heatwave ever recorded in Europe.
Still unconfirmed:
- France's heat this week was worse than a dire scenario imagined for 2050.
- Parisians are seeking refuge in air-conditioned hotels.