Fifth Heat Dome Expands Across Europe: 40°C+ Highs Target Western and Central Europe
5th Heat Dome Expands Across Europe: 40°C+ Target Western and Central Europe
A powerful high-pressure ridge is locking the fifth major Heat Dome of the season over continental Europe, pushing afternoon temperatures past 40°C across France, the UK, Italy, Central Europe, and the Balkans. The heat dome traps warm air, leading to extreme heat and tropical nights with minimal relief. Forecasts show peak temperatures of 42-44°C in Spain, 40-43°C in France, and 38-39°C in England, with the heat expanding eastward over the weekend. The article explains the atmospheric dynamics and health impacts of heat domes, emphasizing the risks of prolonged exposure and high humidity.
The heat dome works like a lid on a pot: the extensive dome traps warm air at all levels underneath, with layers sinking toward the ground, making the air mass anomalously warm at the lowest elevations and extremely hot near the surface.