Europe’s 2025 climate shows growing physical risks
Europe’s climate in 2025 showed clear signs of a warming continent. Almost all of Europe had above-average annual temperatures, and several northern European countries recorded their warmest or second-warmest year. The Copernicus European State of the Climate Report 2025 (PDF) shows that heatwaves, drought, wildfires, low river flows, marine heatwaves and melting ice are already changing conditions across the continent.
Heat reached new extremes
Heat was one of the strongest signals in 2025. Europe experienced its second most severe heatwave on record. Sub-Arctic Fennoscandia had its longest and most severe heatwave on record, with temperatures close to and within the Arctic Circle reaching or exceeding 30°C. This is notable because strong heat stress has historically been rare in this region. Across Europe, heat stress days are increasing, while cold stress days are becoming less common.
Dry conditions affected large areas
Water conditions varied strongly across Europe, but dryness was widespread. Soil moisture was among the three driest years since 1992, and the satellite record showed the driest soil moisture conditions in 33 years. Dry conditions stretched from western to eastern Europe, including the Netherlands. River flow was below average for 11 months of the year, and 70% of European rivers had below-average annual flow.
Wildfires, snow loss and warm seas stood out
Wildfire impacts were also severe. Europe recorded its largest burnt area and highest wildfire emissions in the available records. Spain and Portugal were especially affected in August after wet spring conditions created vegetation that later dried out during hot weather. At the same time, Europe’s seas were exceptionally warm. Sea surface temperatures reached a record high, and 86% of the region experienced at least strong marine heatwave conditions. Snow cover also declined sharply, with end-of-season snow extent and snow mass both the third lowest in the 42-year record.
A changing climate for people and ecosystems
The report shows that physical climate risks are becoming more varied and more connected. Heat can worsen drought, drought can raise wildfire danger, and low snow cover can affect river flow and water availability later in the year. Flooding was less widespread than in recent years, but storms and local floods still affected parts of Europe.