Nearly 900 Million People Experienced Hottest July on Record Amid Rising Drought and Wildfires

Nearly 900 Million People Experienced Hottest July on Record Amid Rising Drought and Wildfires
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Nearly 900 million people across three continents experienced record-breaking temperatures in July, according to new climate data, as severe heatwaves coincided with expanding drought conditions and widespread wildfires in several regions. Experts warned that the intensifying climate crisis is increasing pressure on global food and water security.

More details in the following report:

Data analyses based on observations from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service showed that large areas stretching from Africa’s Sahel region to Latin America and Europe recorded their hottest July since modern records began. A total of 33 countries experienced their highest temperatures ever recorded for the month.

The Copernicus assessment draws on billions of data points collected from satellites, land, marine, and atmospheric monitoring stations, as well as climate models, with records extending back to 1970.

Africa was among the regions most severely affected, with around 400 million people in the Sahel and Sahara regions experiencing extreme heat conditions. Ten African countries, including Mauritania, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Sudan, Kenya, and Ethiopia, recorded their hottest July on record.

In some areas, including Chad and Sudan, temperatures exceeded normal July averages by more than 2 degrees Celsius, adding further strain to communities already facing drought, food insecurity, poverty, and conflict.

Extreme heat also affected Central America and northern South America, where around 110 million people from Mexico to northern Brazil experienced unusually high temperatures. El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras recorded record heat levels during June and July, raising additional concerns over drought and agricultural challenges.

In Europe, approximately 120 million people lived in areas that experienced the hottest July on record, particularly in the United Kingdom, France, and Spain. High temperatures combined with severe drought conditions contributed to the spread of major wildfires.