August 2026 was very hot. It was the warmest August ever. The air temperature was about 17 degrees. This is a new record for the world.
The water in the sea was also very warm. The surface of the sea was over 21 degrees. This is the highest value ever measured. The heat hurts nature and people.
One reason for the heat is climate change. People burn too many fossil fuels. The weather event El Nino also makes the earth warmer. It brings extreme weather to the whole world.
This summer was the hottest ever in West Europe. There was little rain and many forest fires. Rivers like the Rhein had very little water. In other areas, there was too much rain and floods.
