Nordic heatwave part of record year that saw temperatures scorch most of Europe, report finds

Scientists find annual sea surface temperatures across Europe reached highest levels recorded, while deadly wildfires set large parts of continent ablaze

Parts of Scandinavia were scorched last summer by 21 days of hot weather that led to ‘tropical nights’ in typically cool countries such as Norway, Sweden and Finland. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

The Nordic heatwave that pushed temperatures above 30C in the Arctic Circle in July was part of a record-breaking year that saw abnormal heat sear more than 95% of Europe, a report has found.

Parts of Scandinavia were scorched last summer by 21 days of punishingly hot weather that led to “tropical nights” in typically cool countries such as Norway, Sweden and Finland, according to a scientific report campaigners said showed “all the emergency warning lights are flashing red”.