Western and central Europe is confronting its second intense heat wave this year, characterized by record-breaking temperatures expected throughout June. This heat surge is due to a powerful high-pressure system stationed over continental Europe, referred to as a ‘heat dome.’
A heat dome is a substantial, prolonged high-pressure zone in the upper atmosphere that traps heat over a region for days or even longer. These occurrences aren’t exclusive to Europe and happen globally.
The Royal Meteorological Society based in Reading, England, likens this high-pressure system to a lid on a pot. It restricts the ascent of air, preventing the formation of clouds by warm air at the Earth’s surface. The lack of clouds results in increased sun exposure, causing the ground to warm up repeatedly.
Météo-France, France’s meteorological agency, explains that these persistent high-pressure systems can block or redirect moving weather fronts, resulting in minimal cloud coverage and scarce rain.
Such heat conditions have compelled individuals in affected regions to take preventive measures to shield themselves from the sun’s harsh rays, as evident from the actions of one woman in Spain, captured while using an umbrella for protection against the sun.
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