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Europe's extreme heat would be impossible without climate change, scientists say
By Alexa St. John, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 26, 2026
· 4 min read
The record-breaking heat that's scorching Europe day and night this month would not have been possible without climate change, according to a new study. The World Weather Attribution rapid study released Friday found that the heat would have been virtually impossible just five decades ago, and is...
Key takeaway The World Weather Attribution rapid study released Friday found that the heat would have been virtually impossible just five decades ago, and is 200 times more likely today than it would have been 20 years ago.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio residents may be wondering how the extreme heat in Europe relates to their own experiences with scorching summers. While the city's heat waves are not directly comparable to those in Europe, the study's findings on climate change's role in intensifying heat events are relevant to local concerns. San Antonio has seen its own share of record-breaking temperatures in recent years, and the city's location in a region prone to drought and extreme heat makes it vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. As the city continues to grow and develop, understanding the link between climate change and heat waves will be crucial for planning and preparing for the health and safety of its residents, particularly during the hot summer months when heat stress can be a major concern. The study's conclusions serve as a reminder for local leaders to prioritize heat mitigation strategies and climate resilience efforts.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The record-breaking heat that's scorching Europe day and night this month would not have been possible without climate change, according to a new study. The World Weather Attribution rapid study released Friday found that the heat would have been virtually impossible just five decades ago, and is...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alexa St. John, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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