🌡️ Europe's current heatwave is historic

Europe is experiencing an early heatwave of rare intensity. Satellites in orbit provide a striking image of it. For example, readings from the Sentinel-3 satellite indicate surface temperatures reaching 40°C in the southern part of the continent, with records broken as far north as the United Kingdom. This heatwave, occurring before summer, is remarkable for its power and extent.

Thus, in London, the mercury exceeded 35°C, while the May normals are between 10 and 19°C. In Hungary, Spain, Italy, Germany and Switzerland, temperatures are also rising. These values, well above seasonal averages, show an extraordinary weather event.


Sentinel-3 is part of the Copernicus program, an initiative of the European Commission and the European Space Agency. Launched in 2018, this satellite observes oceans and land to monitor environmental changes. It measures surface temperature with remarkable accuracy, providing a global view of climate phenomena.

Scientists link these extreme heat episodes to climate change. Peter Thorne, from Maynooth University, indicates that such events are becoming more likely and more intense due to global warming. The records broken in France and the United Kingdom are described as "stunning".

Earth observation missions like Sentinel-3 play a key role in understanding our planet. From space, they provide data on climate evolution. This information helps forecast heatwaves and better prepare for future challenges.