George Kakouris
Eastern Europe saw record-breaking heat and drought in 2024, with the Mediterranean continuing to warm and tens of thousands of people affected by increasingly frequent wildfires. These are among the findings of the annual European State of the Climate report.
Southeastern Europe, in particular, endured its longest heatwave ever recorded, with temperatures reaching levels typically seen in tropical regions.
Cyprus stands at one end of Europe’s climate spectrum. While Western Europe experienced extreme heat combined with high humidity—leading to widespread flooding—Cyprus faced the opposite extreme. The contrasting impacts highlight how climate change is not limited to rising temperatures, but is also driving more frequent and unpredictable extreme weather events.
In Cyprus, the most visible effect of climate change is the increase in days marked by extreme heat. Across Europe, 2024 recorded the second-highest number of days categorized as experiencing “strong,” “very strong,” or “extreme heat stress.” Sixty percent of the continent saw more hot days than the long-term average. At the same time, extremely cold days became increasingly rare, and glacier retreat across Europe accelerated.
The climate report notes sharp regional differences. Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe faced record heat and severe drought, while Western Europe dealt with higher temperatures coupled with high humidity. These trends were evident across a range of indicators, including soil moisture and solar radiation.
The report is published annually by the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization. It draws on satellite and ground-based data from Europe’s Earth observation programs.
‘Almost tropical’ conditions
Southeastern Europe’s July heatwave lasted 13 consecutive days, affecting more than half the region. In Cyprus, what were once rare occurrences became the new normal. In 2024, the island recorded 66 days of “intense heat stress” and 23 tropical nights—defined as nights when temperatures remain above 20°C. This was the second-highest number of hot days and nights since records began, behind only 2010.
The report notes that rising nighttime temperatures are particularly harmful to human health, especially when combined with humidity and wind. Extended periods of high temperatures without nighttime relief increase the risk of heat-related illness and stress on public health systems.
Warming waters
Europe saw its hottest year on record in 2024. Sea surface temperatures were 0.7 degrees Celsius above average, while the Mediterranean was even warmer, 1.2 degrees above the norm.
Scientists warn that rising sea temperatures threaten not only marine ecosystems but also increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather. Heavy rainfall that caused devastating floods in Spain and powerful storms across the Eastern Mediterranean are among the consequences tied to warmer waters.
Fires and floods
Flooding is another consequence of climate change, often underestimated in Cyprus due to the absence of major rivers. Yet, rapid urban development and insufficient infrastructure have increased local flood risks.
The report found that 30% of Europe’s rivers exceeded high flood thresholds in 2024, and 12% surpassed levels classified as severe.
Widespread destruction and fatalities were reported across Germany, Poland, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, and Italy.
One of the most high-profile incidents occurred in Spain’s Valencia region, where intense rainfall led to severe flooding and national debate over the role of local and central governments in disaster preparedness and response.
*This article was translated from its Greek original.
