Extreme weather: floods, droughts and heatwaves

Europe is experiencing more frequent and more intense heatwaves, floods and droughts as the climate changes. These events affect our health, nature, water supplies, food production, infrastructure and economy. We must adapt and prepare for life in a changing climate.

Europe is the fastest-warming continent in the world. As temperatures rise, heatwaves are lasting longer and becoming more severe. Heavy rainfall is causing more flooding. Rivers, lakes and soils are becoming drier, putting pressure on water supplies, agriculture, ecosystems and increasing the risk of wildfires.

The consequences of these events are being felt across Europe. People lose their lives during heatwaves and floods. Homes, businesses and transport networks are damaged. Agriculture, forest, ecosystems and water resources are coming under increasing pressure. Economic losses from weather- and climate-related extremes continue to rise.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions can limit future climate change. At the same time, Europe needs to adapt by preparing for the impacts that are already unavoidable. Better planning, stronger infrastructure, healthier ecosystems and effective early warning systems can all reduce risks and make Europe more resilient.

Around 822 billion euros in economic losses across EEA member and cooperating countries (EEA-38) were caused by weather- and climate-extremes between 1980 and 2024.
Around 441.000 deaths across EEA-38 were caused by extreme weather between 1980 and 2024.
Heatwaves cause around 95 % of the deaths. They are becoming longer, more frequent and intense, increasing health risks, especially for vulnerable people.
Floods cause the costliest natural hazard. They damage homes, businesses, transportation networks and other critical infrastructure. Better flood risk management, including nature-based solutions, can reduce their impacts.

Climate impacts vary across Europe.

In northern Europe, annual precipitation and heavy rainfall are likely to increase, with droughts becoming less frequent.
Central Europe is likely to experience lower summer rainfall, but also harsher weather extremes (heavy precipitation, river floods, droughts and fire hazards), with mixed changes in annual precipitation and aridity.
In southern Europe, annual precipitation and summer rainfall are projected to decrease, whereas aridity, droughts and fire hazards are all likely to increase.

Explore more on extreme weather events

Climate-related extreme weather events vary by region. This means that one-size-fits-all responses are no match for the growing threat that these hazards pose to property and lives.

The EU’s adaptation strategy aims to ensure that Europe is better prepared to manage the risks and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Closing the climate protection gap by increasing insurance coverage can be a crucial tool for improving recovery, reducing vulnerability, and promoting resilience. EU Member States are also responding with national adaptation policies, including national, regional and sectoral climate risk assessments.

Preparedness activities are also in place at the EU level to help Member States prepare for extreme weather events. Early warning systems are essential parts of these activities. The European Civil Protection Pool helps advance European cooperation concerning warning systems for a faster, well-coordinated and effective response to weather-related disasters and natural hazards.

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Extreme weather costs keep rising

In 2023 alone, floods, droughts, heatwaves and wildfires caused over EUR 45 billion in damages across 38 European countries. New country data and maps show how the impacts of climate change are growing and where the biggest protection gaps remain.

How prepared is Europe for climate change?

Europe has made important progress in preparing for climate change, with European countries adopting national adaptation policies. However, our latest report finds that while progress is being made, turning plans into action remains a challenge. Stronger implementation, better monitoring and closer coordination are needed to build climate resilience across Europe.

Climate change challenges European resilience

Explore our interactive tool on extreme weather events

ImageImage Zvonimir Zvonar, Climate Change PIX /EEA

Titas Valionis, Environment&Me 2025 / EEA

Can nature help reduce wildfires?

As wildfires become more frequent and intense, preventing them is just as important as responding to them. From restoring ecosystems and managing forests differently, our briefing highlights practical approaches that help prevent and reduce the impacts of fires across Europe.

Preparing farms for a changing climate

Extreme weather is making farming more difficult across Europe. Based on 51 farm case studies, our briefing explores how practices such as improving soil health and water management can reduce risks, lower costs, strengthen farm incomes and support food security.

Extreme weather: floods, droughts and heatwaves

Extreme weather costs keep rising

How prepared is Europe for climate change?

Climate change challenges European resilience

Can nature help reduce wildfires?

Preparing farms for a changing climate

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