July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in several regions of the world, home to a total of approximately 900 million people, according to an AFP analysis. This calculation is based on combining average temperatures recorded during the month with demographic data for the areas concerned.
These regional records do not necessarily mean that July 2026 was the hottest July on record globally. However, they do demonstrate the extent of the anomalies observed in densely populated areas, where the heat directly impacted living conditions, health, agriculture, and access to water.
Oceans also experiencing unprecedented temperatures
Sea surface temperatures also reached record highs for July. The Atlantic and western Mediterranean, in particular, experienced significant marine heatwaves, which could disrupt ecosystems and exacerbate nighttime temperatures along coastlines. Western Europe also recorded its hottest June-July period on record.
These events are part of a broader trend linked to the accumulation of greenhouse gases. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves, while also exacerbating drought and the risk of wildfires. The record temperatures recorded in regions inhabited by 900 million people illustrate a trend that now simultaneously affects several continents and exposes ever-growing populations.
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