Autumn 2023 saw countries including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Poland and Switzerland all have their hottest Septembers on record. France saw average temperatures higher than in July and August, with the centre-west department of Vienne hitting 38.8°C (101.8°F) and heatwave alerts issued in September for the very first time.

Germany, Poland and Austria also recorded temperatures close to 4°C (3.2°F) higher than average over the month. The Copernicus Climate Change Service said it expects 2023 to be the hottest year in human history.

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