European crops ripening early amid heat
Europe experienced intense heatwaves in 2026 that began in late May, leading to the early ripening of crops such as corn, wheat, and rapeseed. Some crops in certain EU regions reached maturity up to 20 days earlier than usual, resulting in an early harvest that was two to three weeks ahead of schedule. This was driven by high temperatures that accelerated the plants' growth cycles. The heatwaves and drought conditions caused significant declines in crop yields, with France recording its lowest corn harvest in over a decade and overall production expected to decrease by up to 35%. Additionally, record-breaking temperatures led to abnormal ripening of crops before their typical harvest time, reducing harvest volumes and threatening food security across Europe. According to United Nations reports, these conditions have also caused a noticeable rise in food prices.
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