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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) - San Antonio News
· 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 Alamo Heights News
As San Antonio residents swelter through their own summer heat, the devastating European heat wave serves as a stark reminder of the global implications of climate change. While the Alamo Heights community may not be experiencing the same extreme temperatures as Europe, the study's findings have local relevance. San Antonio has already seen a rise in heat-related illnesses and deaths in recent years, and the city's own heat mitigation efforts may need to be reevaluated in light of this new research. The fact that 45% of European cities have broken records for heat stress levels is particularly concerning, as San Antonio's own heat stress levels are often exacerbated by the city's unique geography and urban heat island effect. As local leaders consider strategies to combat the urban heat island effect and protect vulnerable populations, the World Weather Attribution study's findings should be taken into account to inform evidence-based decision making.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News 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) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
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) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alexa St. John, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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