Second-Hottest May on Record
Analysis based on 7 articles · First reported Jun 09, 2026 · Last updated Jun 12, 2026
The report from the European Union — Copernicus Climate Change Service on record-high temperatures and the developing El Ni
o pattern could increase demand for climate-resilient infrastructure and agricultural technologies. Insurance companies may face higher claims due to extreme weather events like the floods in China and Turkey, potentially impacting their profitability. Energy markets could see shifts in demand due to heatwaves in Western Europe.
The world experienced its second-hottest May on record in 2026, according to the European Union's European Union — Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). This was driven by climate change and the developing El Ni
o weather pattern, which pushed average land and sea temperatures to 1.42 degrees Celsius above 19th-century pre-industrial levels. Western Europe, including Spain, experienced one of the most severe early-season heatwaves ever recorded. Parts of the Pacific Ocean also recorded exceptionally high temperatures. Extreme weather events in May included fatal floods in China and Turkey. Scientists expect the El Ni
o pattern to form in the coming months, leading to further extreme weather globally.
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