Climate report highlights rising temperatures, shrinking glaciers, declining snow cover

READING, United Kingdom, 29 April 2026: The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), an independent intergovernmental organisation, and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) released the European State of the Climate 2025 report, outlining the impacts of rapid warming across the continent. Making the announcement through a Press Release, the organisations said Europe is experiencing reduced snow and ice cover alongside increasing heatwaves, droughts and record ocean temperatures, affecting regions from the Arctic to the Mediterranean.

ECMWF and WMO said they produced the report under the Copernicus Climate Change Service by bringing together contributions from around 100 scientists. The organisations added that the report provides a comprehensive overview of climate indicators across Europe, including cold environments, marine ecosystems, rivers and lakes, and of risks posed by wildfires.

According to ECMWF and WMO, at least 95% of Europe had experienced above-average temperatures in 2025. The organisations added that a record three-week heatwave affected sub-Arctic Fennoscandia, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees C near and within the Arctic Circle.

ECMWF and WMO said glaciers across all European regions had recorded net mass loss in 2025, with Iceland experiencing its second-largest glacier loss on record. The organisations added that snow cover levels were 31% below average and that the Greenland Ice Sheet had lost 139 gigatonnes of ice in 2025.

ECMWF and WMO said the annual sea surface temperature across the European region was the highest on record, with 86% of the area experiencing at least strong marine heatwaves. The organisations added that wildfires had burnt more than 1,034,550 hectares, representing the largest area on record.

ECMWF and WMO said river flows had remained below average for 11 months of the year, with 70% of rivers experiencing reduced annual flows. The organisations added that storms and flooding had affected thousands of people in 2025, although extreme rainfall events were less widespread than in previous years.

ECMWF and WMO said renewable energy had supplied 46.4% of Europe’s electricity in 2025, with solar power reaching a record contribution of 12.5%. The organisations added that biodiversity remains critical for sustainability but continues to face degradation due to climate change.

ECMWF and WMO said the findings highlighted the interconnected impacts of climate change on ecosystems and societies, reinforcing the need for coordinated policy responses across Europe.

Florian Pappenberger, Director-General, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, said: “Europe is the fastest-warming continent, and the impacts are already severe. Almost the whole region has seen above-average annual temperatures. In 2025, sub‑Arctic Norway, Sweden and Finland recorded their worst heatwave on record with 21 straight days and temperatures exceeding 30°C within the Arctic Circle itself. The 2025 report offers clear, actionable insights to support policy decisions and help the public better understand the changing climate we live in.”

Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organisation, said: “The WMO State of the Climate has revealed the imbalance of energy on our planet, and the European State of the Climate produced jointly by WMO and ECMWF reflects the impacts for Europe. Our joint effort to produce the ESOTC reflects how climate change is impacting biodiversity and the bold initiatives taken by European policy makers to protect and restore it.”

ECMWF and WMO said the report highlights rapid warming across Europe’s coldest regions, including the Arctic and the Alps, where snow and ice play a critical role in reflecting sunlight. The organisations added that the shrinking extent of freezing winter days and rising minimum temperatures reflect a broader warming trend.

ECMWF and WMO said sub-Arctic Fennoscandia experienced its longest recorded heatwave in July 2025, lasting three weeks, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees C and peaking at 34.9 degrees C in Frosta, Norway. The organisations added that Europe recorded a reduced number of cold stress days in 2025, with 90% of the continent experiencing fewer than average.

ECMWF and WMO said above-average temperatures, combined with reduced precipitation, had contributed to significant losses in snow and ice cover. The organisations added that snow cover in March 2025 was approximately 31% below average, and glaciers across Europe experienced net mass loss, while the Greenland Ice Sheet lost 139 gigatonnes of ice, contributing to rising global sea levels.

Samantha Burgess, Strategic Lead for Climate, ECMWF, said: “The ESOTC 2025 paints a stark picture – the pace of climate change demands more urgent action. With rising temperatures, and widespread wildfires and drought, the evidence is unequivocal; climate change is not a future threat, it is our present reality. In confronting the impact on biodiversity loss, we need to match the speed of adaptation happening in the clean energy transition and, at the same time, ensure robust science continues to underpin our policies and decisions.”

ECMWF and WMO said the global ocean had absorbed approximately 90% of excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions, with 2025 marking the fourth consecutive year of record sea surface temperatures in the European region. The organisations added that marine heatwaves affected 86% of Europe’s ocean areas, with 36% experiencing severe or extreme conditions.

ECMWF and WMO said the Mediterranean Sea had recorded at least one day of strong marine heatwave conditions annually over the past three years, while severe conditions were also observed in the Norwegian Sea. The organisations added that these patterns highlighted the widespread geographical impact of ocean warming.

Mauro Facchini, Head, Copernicus Unit, European Commission, said: “The European State of the Climate 2025 report demonstrates once more the value of our joint efforts to have a world-class European Earth observation system. Maintaining our own state-of-the-art, reliable data records of our Earth system is vital for making informed policy decisions in our rapidly changing climate. Copernicus is pivotal to help us preserve our sovereignty, our environment, food systems, safety, and economy.”

ECMWF and WMO said around 70% of rivers across Europe experienced below-average flows, while soil moisture levels ranked among the lowest since 1992. The organisations added that drought conditions affected 53% of Europe in May 2025, reflecting combined impacts of rainfall variability and long-term climate trends.

Dušan Chrenek, Principal Adviser, Digital Green Transition, DG Clima, said: “The climate change signal remains unequivocal across Europe, and the European State of the Climate 2025 report is a stark reminder that we must sustain and accelerate both adaptation and mitigation efforts. This edition provides compelling evidence of the profound impacts of climate change on intensity of extreme weather events, biodiversity and economy, while reinforcing Europe’s strategic ambition to further strengthen its Earth observation capabilities by harnessing cutting-edge technologies.”

ECMWF and WMO said widespread heatwaves affected Europe in 2025, including one of the most severe on record and prolonged extreme conditions in sub-Arctic regions. The organisations added that parts of southern and eastern Spain recorded significantly more days with strong heat stress conditions.

ECMWF and WMO said hot and dry conditions contributed to record wildfire activity, with more than 1,034,000 hectares burned across Europe. The organisations added that Spain accounted for a significant share of wildfire emissions and highlighted the increasing risk posed by wildfires, particularly in peatland areas.

ECMWF and WMO said extreme climate events – including droughts, wildfires and heatwaves – continue to impact biodiversity across marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The organisations added that shifting habitats, altered seasonal patterns and changing precipitation levels are placing additional stress on natural systems.

ECMWF and WMO said European policy frameworks are increasingly recognising the link between climate and biodiversity, with initiatives aimed at strengthening ecosystem resilience. The organisations added that the European Union had committed to restoring at least 20% of land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need by 2050, supported by broader strategies such as the European Green Deal and EU Climate Law.