Heat Dome Havoc: Understanding Europe's Sweltering Heatwave

On Monday, vast regions of Western Europe experienced a blistering heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in Spain and wildfires erupting in France. Expert scientists attribute these extreme heat conditions to a 'heat dome'—a persistent high-pressure zone that traps heat over affected areas.

The 'heat dome' acts like a lid, compressing and heating the trapped air. This phenomenon creates clear, sunny days with minimal wind and cooling. Wildfires are more likely as vegetation dries out in the intense heat. Meteorologists predict the current heat dome will dissipate once a new weather system moves in to replace it.

Although not a novel weather pattern, the frequency and severity of heat domes are exacerbated by climate change. Rising levels of greenhouse gases are causing temperature increases, leading to more intense and prolonged heatwaves. Europe, the fastest-warming continent, faces a likelihood of more extreme heat events throughout the summer, experts warn.

(With inputs from agencies.)