Heat, Floods, and Fire: Europe’s Climate Crisis Hits Hundreds of Thousands

More than 400,000 people across Europe were impacted by floods and powerful storms in 2024, according to the latest European State of the Climate report from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Last year was the hottest ever recorded, with rising temperatures fuelling extreme weather events that triggered widespread disasters — from devastating floods to uncontrolled wildfires — across the continent.

According to the report, a total of 413,000 Europeans were affected by flooding or violent, destructive storms in 2024. Alarmingly, 30% of Europe’s river network experienced high floods, and 12% exceeded official warning levels.

Some of the most severe flooding struck Central and Eastern Europe, affecting countries including Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary. In Spain, the region of Valencia was hit especially hard, receiving 771.8 mm of rainfall per square metre in October and November — the second-highest level ever recorded in Spanish history.

Both flood events caused significant loss of life and billions of euros in damage. Homes, roads, and bridges were destroyed — including in Poland.

Extreme heat also posed a serious threat, endangering public health and increasing the risk of droughts and wildfires. In 2024, wildfires affected around 42,000 people across Europe.

The number of days with high, very high, or extreme temperatures was the second highest on record. In July, southeastern Europe experienced its longest heatwave yet, lasting 13 consecutive days.

The report also highlights a growing climate divide across the continent: while Western Europe saw wetter and more humid conditions, Eastern Europe faced hotter and sunnier weather.

The findings underscore the urgent need to tackle climate change and adapt to its accelerating impacts. With rising temperatures making violent weather more likely, Europe must brace for the possibility of more catastrophic floods, fires, and storms in the years ahead.