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Europe is burning from heat waves/ What is the 'thermal dome' phenomenon?

Politiko 2025-07-02 11:26:25

Europe is burning from heat waves/ What is the 'thermal dome'

Southern Europe has been hit by the first extreme heat wave of the summer, with temperatures reaching up to 46 degrees Celsius in some regions of Spain and Portugal. 

According to meteorological experts, the situation is related to the phenomenon known as a "heat dome", a high pressure area that hovers over a territory for several days or weeks.

This high pressure acts like a lid, trapping heat beneath it, similar to how an oven keeps the temperature inside. The heat builds up, the ground dries out and absorbs more sunlight, further exacerbating the situation. The thermal dome prevents cloud formation and the entry of cold air masses, creating conditions for clear skies and a continued rise in temperatures.

Europe is already 2°C warmer than in pre-industrial times and is the fastest-warming continent. This is partly because greenhouse gases released from burning fossil fuels trap more heat in the Earth's atmosphere, raising average temperatures.

"The Silent Killer"

Scientists call heat waves “silent killers” because they cause a significant increase in deaths, especially among people who are already vulnerable. Heat waves are also a major risk for young children, whose bodies heat up more quickly, and for pregnant women, who are at increased risk of premature birth.

In Portugal, the temperature in the town of Mora reached 46.6°C, which could set a new record for June. In Italy, hospitals in regions such as Tuscany have reported a 20% increase in admissions due to heatstroke. Citizens have been advised to avoid sun exposure between 11:00 and 18:00.

France has issued warnings for most of its territory, with 88% of areas on an orange alert level, while around 200 public schools have been closed. The government has called on businesses to review their opening hours to protect employees from the extreme heat.

In Germany, in addition to temperatures expected to reach 40 degrees, there has been an increased risk of forest fires due to drought, while some cities have imposed restrictions on water use./ Living

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