Europe is currently facing an intense heat wave for the second time this year. This phenomenon is causing temperatures to soar to near-record highs in countries like Britain, Spain, and France. This weather pattern is driven by a meteorological phenomenon known as a ‘heat dome.’
A heat dome occurs when a strong area of high pressure forms high in the atmosphere, trapping heat in a region for several days or even longer. These systems are not limited to Europe but can happen globally.
The Royal Meteorological Society, based in Reading, England, explains that a heat dome functions like a lid on a pot. High pressure prevents air from rising, reducing cloud formation. With fewer clouds, sunlight more directly heats the ground, leading to increasing temperatures day after day.
France’s national weather agency, Météo-France, adds that such high-pressure systems can block or redirect incoming weather fronts. This results in persistent conditions characterized by minimal cloud cover and low precipitation.
Fire in Boyle Heights Cold Storage Continues 
Wildfires Continue to Rage Across Western U.S. 
The Mystery of Cape Town’s Disappearing Great White Sharks 
Controversy Surrounds Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Renovation 
Inclusive Birdwatching Events Foster Community in Chicago 
Window Heat Pumps: A Solution for Renters and Older Homeowners