95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures in 2025
Rapid warming in Europe is reducing snow and ice cover, while very high air temperatures, drought, heatwaves, and record ocean temperatures are affecting regions from the Arctic to the Mediterranean. These are the main findings of the State of the Climate in Europe (ESOTC) 2025 report, prepared by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), which operates the Copernicus Climate Change Service, and by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The data show that 95% of the continent recorded above-average annual temperatures last year, and river flows were below average for 11 months.
María José Sanz - clima europa
María José Sanz
Scientific Director of the BC3 Basque Centre for Climate Change
The report “The State of the Climate in Europe 2025” is a comprehensive, high-quality study that continues to improve over time. The executive summary accurately and transparently reflects the detailed conclusions of the full report, without exaggeration. The conclusions are based on solid, top-tier data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This work aligns perfectly with existing evidence and specifically supports future IPCC assessment reports.
It confirms established scientific trends that Europe is the fastest-warming continent, at a rate twice the global average. It carefully considers the factors that specifically affect this regional warming trend, such as how reduced air pollution, changes in atmospheric circulation, and decreased snow albedo amplify heat in Europe. While limitations are acknowledged, it is also explicitly noted that some statistics on disaster impacts, such as the number of casualties, are preliminary and likely underestimated.
The implications of this report are profound, emphasizing the serious threats to human health from unprecedented heat stress. Importantly, the findings also highlight vulnerabilities in the economy, as renewable energy generation depends heavily on changing weather patterns.
In summary, the report represents a key contribution supporting the evidence that climate change is a reality and underscores the need for solid, regular, and continuous data to inform EU policies on both climate adaptation and mitigation.
