Summer of '22 brought record heat, solar power to Europe
Europe has smashed previous temperature records this summer, with long periods of sunshine causing sweltering conditions across much of the continent but also helping boost much-needed solar power
BERLIN (AP) — Europe smashed previous temperature records this summer, with long periods of sunshine causing sweltering conditions and droughts across much of the continent but also helping boost much-needed solar power, according to data published Thursday.
The European Commission said average temperatures from June to August were 0.4 degrees Celsius (0.7 degrees Fahrenheit) higher on the continent this year than the previous record set in 2021. In August alone, the previous monthly record from 2018 was exceeded by 0.8 C (1.4 F) this year, it said.
"European temperatures were most above average in the east of the continent in August, but were still well above average in the southwest, where they had been high also in June and July," the commission said, citing data gathered by its Copernicus climate program, which has used satellites to monitor surface air temperatures since 1991.
Separately, energy think tank Ember said the European Union set a new record for solar power this summer, reducing the need for natural gas imports.
