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Europe’s record-shattering heat wave would have been ‘virtually impossible’ just a few decades ago. Here’s why
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 26, 2026
· 4 min read
By Laura Paddison, CNN
(CNN) — The record-shattering June heat that’s baked Europe this week would have been “virtually impossible” just a few decades ago, according to a new analysis, which says the human-driven climate crisis is “unequivocally to blame.”
The ongoing heat wave is the region’...
Key takeaway ” The ongoing heat wave is the region’s “most severe ever recorded,” according to the study published Friday by World Weather Attribution, a scientific network which analyzes the role of climate change in driving extreme weather events.
Why this matters in The El Paso
El Paso residents may be wondering how the record-shattering European heat wave relates to their own experiences with extreme temperatures. While El Paso's desert climate is distinct from Europe's, the underlying cause of the heat wave - human-driven climate change - is a global phenomenon that affects the entire planet. The fact that Europe's heat wave would have been virtually impossible just a few decades ago is a stark reminder that climate change is accelerating rapidly. As El Pasoans are well aware, the city's own temperatures have been rising in recent years, with record-breaking heat waves becoming more frequent. The study's findings on the increased likelihood of extreme heat due to global warming have implications for El Paso's own heat mitigation strategies and emergency preparedness plans. As the city continues to grow and develop, it will be crucial to consider the impacts of climate change on public health, infrastructure, and the overall quality of life for residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso 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 KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 4 min
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What is this story about? By Laura Paddison, CNN
(CNN) — The record-shattering June heat that’s baked Europe this week would have been “virtually impossible” just a few decades ago, according to a new analysis, which says the human-driven climate crisis is “unequivocally to blame.”
The ongoing heat wave is the region’...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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