2026 Heat Threatens Hottest-Year Record as Temperatures Near 40C Across Europe
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 14
2026 Heat Threatens Hottest-Year Record as Temperatures Near 40C Across Europe
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 14
Summary
2026 is already the world’s third-hottest year, and scientists say a supersized El Nino plus human-caused warming could still push it to the hottest on record by year-end.
40C heat this week hit the U.K. and France in the region’s fifth heat wave of the year, while NOAA said the contiguous United States logged its hottest July ever.
AP-NORC polling found Americans now report bigger heat impacts than in July 2024 on travel plans, electricity bills, sleep and family outdoor activities.
Daily routines are shifting globally—Oxford researchers found heat-driven behavior changes across seven high-risk countries, from earlier work hours to limiting outdoor activity and dog walks to dawn or dusk.
Only about 4% of British homes have air conditioning versus about 90% of American homes, underscoring how the loss of a carefree summer falls hardest on people with fewer ways to escape the heat.