In the summer of 2025, Europe and Asia experienced unprecedented heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in several regions. Satellite imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel-3 mission vividly captured the extent of these extreme weather events, particularly highlighting the severe conditions in the United Kingdom.
The Sentinel-3 mission, launched by the European Space Agency (ESA), provides crucial data on Earth's land surface temperatures. The mission recorded extreme land surface temperatures exceeding 45°C in the UK, surpassing 50°C in France, and reaching up to 60°C in Spain.
These extreme temperatures had significant impacts across both continents. In Europe, countries like Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Turkey faced severe heatwaves, leading to fatalities, wildfires, and environmental stress. Eastern China also faced an unusually early and intense heatwave, impacting key agricultural and industrial regions.
The Copernicus Sentinel-3 mission plays a crucial role in monitoring and understanding these extreme weather events. Its Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer instrument provides valuable data for improving climate models and mitigation strategies. These measurements are particularly important for farmers and urban planners.
The recent heatwaves serve as a stark reminder of the escalating impacts of climate change. The IPCC has warned that extreme weather events are expected to occur more frequently and intensely. The Sentinel-3 mission continues to provide critical data to understand and monitor how our world is changing, aiding in the development of effective strategies.