Geneva: Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July period on record as extreme heat, drought, and wildfires continued to affect large parts of the Northern Hemisphere, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, spokesperson Clare Nullis informed reporters in Geneva that July was also the joint second-warmest July globally, with average surface air temperatures 1.47C (2.6F) above the estimated pre-industrial level. Furthermore, sea-surface temperatures reached unprecedented heights for July.

Nullis highlighted that several Western European countries are enduring their fourth heat wave of the summer. The prolonged drought is impacting agriculture, river levels, transport, and energy, while also heightening the risk of wildfires. Meteo-France forecasts temperatures soaring above 35C in much of France later this week, while MeteoSwiss has issued a Level 3 alert for temperatures exceeding 35C. In parts of southern England, temperatures could reach 36C by Thursday, according to the UK Met Office.

John Kennedy, the WMO's climate information chief, explained that the current pattern is a result of the combined effects of long-term warming and persistent high- and low-pressure systems. He cautioned that extreme heat is becoming more frequent, intense, longer-lasting, and widespread.

WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic emphasized the public health threat posed by wildfire smoke, particularly due to fine particulate matter. He noted that exposure is linked to premature deaths and can exacerbate diseases affecting multiple organs, including the lungs, heart, brain, and skin. Jasarevic also pointed out the heightened risks faced by firefighters and emergency workers, as well as vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses.