Climate extremes: Europe experienced its warmest year on record in 2024, made evident by extreme weather events that caused devastating impacts across the continent
According to the newly released European State of the Climate 2024 (ESOTC 2024) report, prepared by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the effects of climate change were widespread and severe, especially in Eastern and southern eastern Europe.
The ESOTC report and examining climate extremes
The annual ESOTC report, which involves around 100 scientific contributors, offers an in-depth overview of Europe’s climate conditions.
Providing details on trends beyond just temperature, including heat stress, drought, sunshine duration, flooding, and glacier retreat.
The 2024 edition includes a new graphics gallery with 130 charts and infographics to help visualise these changes.
Eastern and southeastern Europe hit the hardest
Europe has been warming faster than any other continent, and the report confirms that 2024 set a new temperature record. Central, eastern, and southeastern Europe experienced exceptional heat, while western regions were warmer than average but significantly wetter.
This east-west contrast led to different but equally damaging weather events across the continent.
Flooding was revealed as one of the most destructive conditions in 2024. About 30% of Europe’s river network crossed the ‘high’ flood threshold during the year, and 12% reached ‘severe’ levels. Storm Boris, one of the year’s most impactful weather events, struck in September and caused widespread flooding across Germany, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia, Romania, and Italy. Hundreds of thousands of people were affected, with many lives lost and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.
In October, Spain faced a flooding emergency when extreme rainfall hit the province of Valencia and neighbouring regions. This event caused deadly flash floods and highlighted how both sudden storms and prolonged rainfall events are increasing in frequency and intensity.
Alongside the floods, southeastern Europe endured the region’s most prolonged recorded heatwave. Lasting 13 days in July, the heatwave affected over half the region and set new records for the number of days with intense heat stress, defined by dangerous levels of heat impacting human health. The area experienced 66 days with intense heat stress and 23 tropical nights, where temperatures didn’t fall below 20ºC, offering little relief.
Long term trend point to escalating risk
The report also emphasises longer-term trends, incorporating insights from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Europe is expected to face some of the world’s most significant increases in flood risk as global temperatures rise. If global warming reaches 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels, it could result in up to 30,000 heat-related deaths annually in Europe.
Not only is the ESOTC there to provide climate analysis, but it also hopes to inform policy and preparedness. By showing these extreme weather patterns and long-term risks, the report emphasises the need for urgent action to adapt infrastructure, improve disaster readiness, and reduce emissions.
As each year passes, Europe experiences more severe and frequent climate extremes. The 2024 data creates a clear picture: climate change is no longer a future concern, it is a current and intensifying reality, with human lives, ecosystems, and economies all feeling the impact.
