The European Union's climate monitor confirmed on September 10, 2026 that August 2026 was the hottest single month ever recorded globally, with temperatures reaching 1.65°C above preindustrial levels and ocean temperatures at unprecedented highs. The record was attributed to both climate change and a strengthening El Niño system.
August 2026 tied with July 2023 as the world's hottest month on record, with global average air temperature 1.65°C above pre-industrial levels, according to the European climate service Copernicus reported on September 9-10, 2026. Western Europe saw prolonged and early heatwaves.