From Paris to Warsaw, record temperatures are on the rise as Europe grapples with a powerful heat wave. Temperatures are soaring well above seasonal averages and testing the limits of cities, agriculture and human health.
Heat Dome from Africa
The World Meteorological Organization attributes this blistering spell to a "heat dome" effect. A high-pressure system over the continent traps warm air drawn up from Africa, compressing it close to the surface. "The lack of cloud cover allows intense solar radiation to directly reach the ground," the WMO bulletin notes, pushing daily highs even further.
Drought and Parched Lands
Widespread drought has primed the land for extreme heating. A June report from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre found that reduced rainfall between March and May left soils dry and unable to cool the air through evaporation. This parched ground amplifies surface temperatures and heightens risks for crops and water supplies.
Urban Heat Islands Amplify the Scorch
In dense urban centers, concrete and asphalt soak up heat by day and radiate it at night – a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. Cities face higher cooling costs, strained power grids and increased health threats, especially for older adults and children.
Climate Change: The New Normal
A study by World Weather Attribution confirms that human-caused warming has made such extreme summer days far more likely. "These kinds of temperatures would have been extremely unlikely without the influence of human activity," the report states. What was once rare is now routine.
Next Steps: Mitigation and Adaptation
Experts say the urgency is clear: slash greenhouse gas emissions, rethink urban design, invest in water conservation and bolster early warning systems. As heat waves become more frequent, cities and communities worldwide must adapt to protect lives and livelihoods.
Europe's current heat wave is a stark reminder of the accelerating climate crisis and the need for global action.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
