Numerous heatwaves affecting Western Europe since late May, combined with persistent high pressure and lack of rain, have resulted in a parched landscape across the continent.
In Catalunya, both the Pyrenean valleys and alpine meadows are yellow or brown, an unusual sight for summer, traditionally one of the rainiest seasons.
Images from NASA's Terra satellite provide perspective on the current state of Europe's landscape.
In the United Kingdom, the traditional summer green has been replaced by dry tones. According to the Met Office, England and Wales recorded their driest July in 190 years, with minimal rainfall in several counties. Half of England and all of Wales have experienced extreme heat episodes since late May. The UK as a whole has seen its third driest July since 1868.
France is also suffering the effects of heatwaves, with the meteorological summer being the hottest ever recorded in the country since June 1st. Extreme heat and drought have dried the landscape, with brown dominating, similar to what is typically seen in the Iberian Peninsula. Large forest fires have been frequent, especially in the Gironde region.
On a larger scale, from northern Morocco and Algeria up to Scotland, brown is the dominant color, broken only by the green of the forested areas in the main mountain ranges of the Iberian Peninsula, the Alps, and parts of Central Europe and France.
August will be a decisive month to determine if 2026 will be the hottest summer on record in many European regions and whether rainfall will gradually bring back greenery to some areas.
