Story perspectives

Europe Endures Record Wildfires, Arctic Heatwave, Low Snow

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Wildfires burned 1,034,550 hectares in 2025, the size of Cyprus, the largest area ever recorded.
Norway, Sweden and Finland endured a 21-day 2025 heatwave above 30 °C in the Arctic Circle.
Snow cover fell to 1.32 million km², 31% below average, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria combined.
Marine heatwaves affected 86% of Europe while 70% of rivers recorded low flows for 11 months.
Renewables supplied about 46% of Europe’s electricity in 2025.

1 of 1

Story summary

Wildfires burned 1,034,550 hectares in 2025, the size of Cyprus, the largest area ever recorded.
Norway, Sweden and Finland endured a 21-day 2025 heatwave above 30 °C in the Arctic Circle.
Snow cover fell to 1.32 million km², 31% below average, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria combined.
Marine heatwaves affected 86% of Europe while 70% of rivers recorded low flows for 11 months.
Renewables supplied about 46% of Europe’s electricity in 2025.