Western Europe records hottest-ever June as heatwaves intensify

Temperatures across ravaged region 3C above average as scientists warn of risks for people, ecosystems and infrastructure

• Record wildfires in Europe show failure to adapt carries a mounting cost

Western Europe has been scorched by its hottest June on record, scientists have said, as the UK enters its third heatwave of the year and wildfires ravage France and Spain.

Inflamed by carbon pollution, the deadly June heatwave helped push surface air temperatures for the region 3.06C above their average from recent decades, according to the EU’s Copernicus climate monitoring service.