Natural disasters caused an estimated $100 billion in economic losses worldwide in the first half of 2026, with severe heat in Europe triggering an early wildfire season and raising fears of further damage to homes and infrastructure.

Economic losses from natural catastrophes worldwide are estimated to have reached $100 billion in the first half of this year, reinsurance group Swiss Re said Tuesday, a sharp decline from the period last year.

But the group said severe heat across Europe since June had sparked an early wildfire season that could still threaten homes, businesses and infrastructure.