Archive · 10 Sep 2026
World Records Warmest August Ever, European Climate Agency Says
August 2026 was the hottest August ever measured around the world.
Scientists at the Copernicus Climate Change Service reported this result.
The average global air temperature was 16.96 degrees Celsius.
That was 0.85 degrees higher than the average from 1991 to 2020.
It was also about 1.65 degrees higher than temperatures before large-scale industrialization.
Europe had its hottest summer on record.
The summer months from June through August tied with 2024 for the warmest global summer period.
The August record also matched the warmest July recorded in 2023.
August 2026 was the warmest August globally in the ERA5 dataset.
Global-average surface air temperature reached 16.96 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures were 1.65 degrees Celsius above estimated pre-industrial levels.
Europe experienced its warmest summer on record, according to Copernicus.
The June-to-August 2026 period tied 2024 as the warmest globally recorded.
- Who
- The Copernicus Climate Change Service, implemented by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.
- What
- August 2026 was recorded as the world's warmest August, while Europe experienced its warmest summer on record.
- When
- August 2026; the summer period covered June through August 2026.
- Where
- Globally, with a separate summer temperature record reported for Europe.
- Global August temperature
- 16.96 degrees Celsius
- Difference from 1991–2020 average
- 0.85 degrees Celsius above average
- Difference from pre-industrial levels
- 1.65 degrees Celsius above estimated pre-industrial values
- Global August record
- Warmest August in the ERA5 dataset
- European summer record
- Europe recorded its warmest summer on record
- June–August 2026
- Joint-warmest globally, tied with 2024
- Previous August record
- The previous joint record was set in 2023 and 2024