A heat dome hits Europe, sparking an unusually strong heatwave.

Arab Weather - The latest weather analyses indicate that large parts of western and central Europe are currently affected by a climate phenomenon known as a "heat dome," a weather phenomenon responsible for severe and prolonged heat waves that cause temperatures to rise to unusual levels and impact the lives of millions of people.

What is a heat dome and how does it work?

A heat dome is a weather phenomenon that occurs when a strong high pressure system forms in the upper atmosphere, causing the air to remain stable over a specific area for several days or even weeks. During this phenomenon, the following occurs:

Air compression in the lower layers of the atmosphere: When air from the upper layers is pushed downwards under the influence of high pressure, it is subjected to pressure, and just as in the laws of thermodynamics, air pressure causes it to heat itself (when air is compressed, it heats up automatically).

Trapping and preventing hot air from being released: The high pressure system acts as a "lid" or "dome" that prevents heat from being released upwards and prevents any cold air masses from entering the area, leading to a gradual accumulation of heat day after day.

An exhausting heat wave... with temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius.

Due to this stable weather system, Spain, France, southern Germany, central Italy, and other regions are experiencing a rapid rise in temperatures, with highs reaching nearly 40°C in some areas and even exceeding that temporarily in some inland areas. This situation is particularly dangerous, given the high nighttime temperatures, which reduce the body's ability to recover from heat stress.

When does the heat dome break?

According to meteorological indicators, the heat dome is not expected to break in the near term. Numerical models indicate it will persist for several more days before dissipating as upper-atmosphere depressions approach from the Atlantic, which could help dismantle the system.

And God knows best.