Summary (tl;dr)

Extreme heatwaves are gripping large parts of North America and Europe, causing record temperatures, numerous heat-related deaths, and straining infrastructure, while significant wildfires are burning across the Western United States. These events are unfolding as El Niño conditions rapidly intensify, foreshadowing further global weather disruptions.

Essential Background

The first half of 2026 saw a weak La Niña transition to ENSO-neutral conditions, but by May, forecasts indicated a rapid shift towards El Niño. Historically, El Niño events influence global weather patterns, often leading to increased likelihood of heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall in various regions. Pre-season forecasts for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season had anticipated below-normal activity, largely due to the expected development of a strong El Niño, which typically increases vertical wind shear and suppresses storm formation.

The Full Story

"Weather today" is trending due to concurrent major extreme weather events across several continents. A severe "heat dome" is smothering the central and eastern United States and parts of Canada, bringing record-breaking temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C) and heat index values up to 115°F (46°C). This heatwave, which began in late June, has led to at least 44 deaths in North America, with over 200 million people under heat alerts, and is straining public services, causing power outages and transit delays. A second heat dome is now forming over the western United States, including the Southwest and Alaska.

Simultaneously, Europe is experiencing continued extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 40°C in parts of France, Portugal, and Spain, alongside devastating wildfires. France has reported over 2,000 excess deaths linked to the heatwave that intensified in late June. In the Western United States, large wildfires are active, with the Ferris Fire in Dolores County, Colorado, burning nearly 63,000 acres, and the Cottonwood Fire in Utah consuming over 150 square miles and destroying numerous structures.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed that El Niño conditions are rapidly developing in the tropical Pacific, with strong intensification expected from July to September 2026. This El Niño is projected to continue strengthening through the end of the year, increasing the global likelihood of heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall. This is also why the Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be below-normal, despite Tropical Storm Arthur having formed in June and caused flooding along the Gulf Coast of the United States and Mexico.

Why It Matters

These widespread extreme weather events highlight the increasing impact of climate change and natural climate variability on daily life. The intense heat poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations, leading to heat-related illnesses and fatalities, and straining emergency services and infrastructure. The ongoing wildfires threaten communities, displace residents, and cause extensive environmental damage. The rapid development of a strong El Niño event signals a heightened risk for further global weather disruptions, including potential droughts in some areas and increased rainfall and flooding in others, requiring governments and communities worldwide to enhance preparedness for future extreme weather challenges. The below-normal Atlantic hurricane season forecast due to El Niño, while potentially reducing tropical cyclone threats in some regions, underscores the complex interplay of global climate drivers.

Geographic Location

• Atlantic City, Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States (recorded peak temperature of 106 °F during heatwave)
• Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware, United States (tied hottest July temperature during heatwave)
• Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, United States (record streak of 101 °F or higher during heatwave)
• Suffolk County, New York, United States (experienced 87 mph wind gust from severe storms)
• Carroll County, Maryland, United States (experienced 81 mph wind gust from severe storms)
• Eastern United States (widespread heatwave affecting Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast regions, leading to heat alerts for over 200 million people and severe storms)
• Western United States (forming second heat dome, elevated wildfire risk)
• Dolores County, Colorado, United States (Ferris Fire burning nearly 63,000 acres)
• Utah, United States (Cottonwood Fire burning over 150 square miles and destroying structures)
• Gulf Coast, United States (affected by flooding from Tropical Storm Arthur)
• Ontario, Canada (extreme heat, widespread flooding, and power outages from thunderstorms)
• Quebec, Canada (extreme heat, widespread flooding, and power outages from thunderstorms)
• Mexico (affected by flooding from Tropical Storm Arthur)
• France (extreme heat, devastating wildfires, and over 2,000 excess deaths)
• Portugal (extreme heat and devastating wildfires)
• Spain (extreme heat and devastating wildfires)
• English Channel (extreme marine heatwave)
• North Sea (extreme marine heatwave)
• Gulf of Guinea Coast, West Africa (ongoing flooding)
• Eastern Africa (persistent dry and hot conditions, abnormal heat, and drought)
• Western Sahara, Africa (abnormal heat)
• Western Mauritania, Africa (abnormal heat)
• Central Chad, Africa (abnormal heat)
• Western Sudan, Africa (abnormal heat)
• Eastern Sudan, Africa (abnormal heat)
• Northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa (abnormal heat)
• Uganda, Africa (abnormal heat)
• Western Kenya, Africa (abnormal heat)
• Southeastern South Sudan, Africa (abnormal heat)
• Northern Eritrea, Africa (abnormal heat)
• Western Ethiopia, Africa (abnormal heat, flash flood threat)
• Tropical Pacific Ocean (El Niño conditions developing and strengthening)