Tropical nights come to Europe
Financial Times 2026-07-11 04:00:09
Context: Europe is experiencing a significant increase in tropical nights, which are periods of extremely high temperatures overnight. This trend is notable because the biggest rise in extreme temperatures is not occurring during the daytime, but rather at night. As a result, many areas are seeing an increase in nighttime temperatures that can have serious impacts on health and daily life.
Key Facts
- The phenomenon of tropical nights, characterized by overnight temperatures that do not drop below 20°C (68°F), is becoming more common in Europe, with many regions experiencing an increase in these warm nighttime periods.
- According to recent data, the rise in extreme nighttime temperatures is outpacing the increase in daytime temperatures, indicating a shift in the nature of heatwaves experienced in Europe.
- This trend is significant because tropical nights can have serious health implications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions, who may find it difficult to cool down during the night.