This week, Western and Central Europe are enduring intense heat, with record-breaking June temperatures forecasted. A powerful high-pressure system, known as a ‘heat dome,’ is the driving force behind this heat wave.
A heat dome is a large, persistent area of high pressure in the atmosphere. It traps heat over a region for days or even weeks. Such phenomena can occur globally.
The Royal Meteorological Society in Reading, England compares it to a lid on a pot. It prevents warm air from rising and forming clouds. Fewer clouds mean more sunshine, heating the ground significantly.
France’s meteorological agency, Météo-France, notes that these systems can block or divert weather fronts. This leads to clearer skies and reduced rainfall.
Individuals across Europe resort to various methods to cope. For example, in Paris, swimmers are seeking refuge in the water, while people in Spain use umbrellas for shade.