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Straits Times
2 days ago
- Climate
- Straits Times
Explainer-What is a 'heat dome' and how does it power heatwaves?
FILE PHOTO: A woman uses a hand fan with a slogan as she walks along a street on a summer day with high temperatures, a day before the start of a heatwave forecast by Spain's AEMET (State Meteorological Agency), in downtown Ronda, Spain, June 27, 2025. REUTERS/Jon Nazca/File Photo A man catches the sun next to a pile of deck chairs in Green Park as an amber heat warning was issued in London, Britain, June 30, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Coombs Tourists stand in front of a cooling fan installed outside the Colosseum in during the heatwave in Rome, Italy, June 30, 2025. REUTERS/Remo Casilli FILE PHOTO: A tourist drinks water during his visit at the Parthenon temple atop the Acropolis hill, as a heatwave hits Athens, Greece, June 27, 2025. REUTERS/Stelios Misinas/File Photo Explainer-What is a 'heat dome' and how does it power heatwaves? BRUSSELS - Large parts of Western Europe were in the grip of a severe heatwave on Monday, with temperatures breaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in Spain and wildfires breaking out in France. Scientists said the extreme temperatures in the region - with Britain and the Netherlands among the countries affected - were related to a "heat dome" over continental Europe. Here's what that means: WHAT IS IT? A heat dome is an area of high-pressure air in the atmosphere which gets stuck in place over a region because atmospheric dynamics around it block it from moving. It works like putting a lid on a boiling pot. The high-pressure system traps hot air below it, which heats up and compresses to form a "dome". This intensifies heat and prevents the formation of clouds, allowing even more radiation from the sun to reach the ground below. A heat dome results in clear, sunny days, and still conditions with little cooling wind. It builds up over time - the longer the "dome" is stuck over one area, the more that dark surfaces below, such as roads and buildings, absorb and retain heat, and the more that the ground dries out. It also makes wildfires more likely, because the heat dries out vegetation. Such systems can last for days to weeks. Forecasts suggest this one will dissipate in a few days, which happens when another weather system, such as a storm or a low-pressure system of cooler conditions, pushes the high-pressure system away. IS IT LINKED TO CLIMATE CHANGE? Heat domes are not a new type of weather pattern. A specific attribution study would be needed to confirm in what ways the heat dome Western Europe is currently experiencing was specifically affected by climate change. But scientists said the severity of the temperatures and the early timing of the current heatwave in Western Europe tally with how climate change is known to affect heatwaves. Scientists have already confirmed that climate change is making heatwave events more intense, more frequent and more widespread. The build-up of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere - which mostly come from burning fossil fuels - means the planet's average temperature has increased over time. This increase in baseline temperatures means that when a heatwave comes, temperatures can surge to reach higher peaks. Spain has likely just had its hottest June on record, according to national meteorological service AEMET, while the southeastern town of Mora in Portugal on Sunday set a new national record-high temperature for June, of 46.6 C. Today, the planet's long-term global average temperature has risen nearly 1.3 degrees Celsius since the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, when countries began burning fossil fuels on an industrial scale. Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent, heating up at twice the global average. WILL WE GET MORE? Climate change is making extreme heatwaves like the current one occur earlier in the year, and persist into later months. Parts of the United States also faced extreme temperatures caused by a heat dome in the last two weeks. While it is hard to predict specific heatwaves months in advance, current seasonal forecasts for July, August and September indicate Europe is highly likely to experience a warmer than average summer, Dr Samantha Burgess, Strategic Lead for Climate at the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service, told Reuters. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Europe's killer heatwave kills one as holidaying Brits warned 'stay inside'
A brutal 'heat dome' has brought roasting temperatures to the continent, with at least one person dying from heatstroke in Spain, as well as wildfires raging across the Greek islands and road surfaces beginning to melt in Italy Brits venturing to Europe in the coming weeks are being warned to prepare for scorching temperatures as the heatwave claims at least one life. Temperatures across holiday hotspots loved by Brits are edging dangerously high, with health and heat warnings in place in several countries. Authorities in Karpathos, Greece are investigating the disappearance of a British tourist. According to local Greek publications, the 60-year-old has been missing since Friday, when his car was found locked. Police and firefighters are searching the area for him, with special forces due to join the hunt today. In Barcelona, a woman has lost her life, allegedly after spending a gruelling shift cleaning the streets of the Spanish city. According to the newspaper El País, the cleaner was working in the Raval neighborhood of Ciutat Vella during the heat of the day. She spent eight hours outside, enduring temperatures above 30°C, according to Aemet. Have you been affected by the intense heat? Email webtravel@ The heat dome over Europe is no joke, with another tourist already succumbing to heatstroke in Majorca. The sweltering front has surged up from Africa and looks set to push temperatures even higher. The meteorological event happens when a high-pressure ridge traps a thick layer of warm air in one area, acting like a lid on a pot. While a bit of sun, sea and sand might sound appealing, such extreme temperatures can be incredibly dangerous. Portugal has advised people 'not to go out' during the hottest hours, as the risk of heat strokes and burns increases as the heatwave takes hold. A high of 46.6C was recorded in the town of Mora on Sunday. Southern Spain, around Seville, was forecasted to hit 42°C over the weekend, while the French Mediterranean coast reached 40°C on Saturday, with similar temperatures in southern Italy and Sardinia. London could see highs of 35°C on Monday, potentially making it the hottest June day ever recorded in the country. Spain is sizzling under the hottest day of a heatwave that kicked off last Saturday, smashing June records with a scorching 46 degrees in El Granado down south. A sweltering Saharan air mass is cranking up the mercury to "abnormally high and persistent levels, both day and night, which could pose a risk to people," according to the State Meteorological Agency's stark warning. Meanwhile, UK health chiefs have slapped an amber heat alert on Tuesday for swathes of the country including London, the East Midlands, South East, South West, and East of England. The UK Health Security Agency has sounded the alarm over blistering temperatures threatening the wellbeing of kids, the elderly, and those with underlying health issues. The agency cautions about "a rise in deaths, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups." "Extreme heat is no longer a rare event — it has become the new normal," declared U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres via Twitter from Seville, Spain, where the mercury was projected to soar to a blistering 42 Celsius by Monday afternoon. Echoing his oft-repeated plea for dramatic measures to curb climate change, Guterres proclaimed: "The planet is getting hotter & more dangerous — no country is immune." The extreme heat poses a significant threat to life. In 2023, a record-breaking heatwave in Europe claimed 61,000 lives. According to William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the British Red Cross, "Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and getting worse because of climate change. "Sadly, we have seen cases already this year of the tragic impact high temperatures can have on human life. High temperatures make it harder for the body to cool itself and we all need to take care to manage the health risks of heat. If you are travelling to a country experiencing extreme heat, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe." As mercury levels soar, the newly launched early warning system, is set to be a game-changer. This pioneering pan-European platform offers real-time predictions on the mortality risks associated with temperature changes, tailored for various demographics. Holidaymakers worried about the scorching weather can now assess their personal health risks before jetting off. Before you pack your bags for that much-needed getaway, be sure to check the weather forecast to stay ahead of any potential heat hazards.
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Climate
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Danger alert' for Irish tourists off to holiday hotspots as temps soar to 46C
Irish tourists taking trips to Europe in the foreseeable future should brace themselves for absolutely roasting temperatures. Temperatures tipped over 40°C in Spain and Portugal at the weekend, and look likely to edge even higher on Monday. Road surfaces are beginning to melt in Italy, while Greece has been plagued by wildfires sweeping across the holiday islands in recent days, reports The Mirror. The heat dome hanging over Europe is no laughing matter, with one tourist already having lost their life to heatstroke in Majorca. The roasting-hot front has blown up from Africa and looks poised to push thermometers even higher. It's unlikely the heat will relent anytime soon thanks to the heat dome currently hanging over Europe. The meteorological phenomenon occurs when a high-pressure ridge traps a thick layer of warm air in one region, acting like a lid on a pot. While a little sun, sea and sand might sound tempting, such high temperatures can be very dangerous. The region around Seville in southern Spain was forecast to reach 42°C through the weekend, while the French Mediterranean coast pushed 40°C on Saturday, with similar temperatures in southern Italy and Sardinia. Highs in London could hit 35°C on Monday, potentially making it the hottest June day on record in the UK. In Spain, Monday is expected to be the hottest day of a heat wave that began on Saturday and set a record for June, with 46 degrees forecast for El Granado in the south of the country. The arrival of a warm, dry mass of Saharan origin is exacerbating the rise in temperatures to "abnormally high and persistent levels, both day and night, which could pose a risk to people," the State Meteorological Agency warned. UK health authorities issued an amber heat alert for Tuesday covering London, the East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England. The UK Health Security Agency has warned that scorching temperatures could pose a risk to children, older people, and those with medical vulnerabilities. It warns of "a rise in deaths, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups". The heat also increases the likelihood of intense storms. France and Germany have been hammered by ferocious rain, hailstorms and flooding, leaving three people dead. Among them was a child who was crushed to death by a falling tree. Amber heat warnings have been issued for many parts of Spain, with similar warnings in place for four departments in the south of France. In Spain, weather expert Nacho Espinos has urged people to remain indoors and avoid strenuous exercise. A double alert has been issued in the Canary Islands due to extreme temperatures, with warnings affecting four of the islands. Weather experts say temperatures could reach 37C. On Gran Canaria, warnings have been issued for the rising risk of forest fires and the health dangers of high heat. In part due to the high heat there, Greece has borne the brunt of the wildfires in Europe so far this summer, with serious blazes breaking out in several areas. A fierce blaze ripped through the area south of Athens on Thursday, leading to evacuation orders and forcing officials to shut off sections of the vital coastal route from the Greek capital to Sounion, home of the historic Temple of Poseidon and a key draw for visitors. In France, firefighters were mobilised to tackle early summer fires as 84 of the country's 101 administrative areas were put on a heatwave alert from today until midweek. Extreme heat can be deadly. In 2023, 61,000 people died because of Europe's record-breaking heatwave. William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the British Red Cross, said: "Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and getting worse because of climate change. "Sadly, we have seen cases already this year of the tragic impact high temperatures can have on human life. High temperatures make it harder for the body to cool itself and we all need to take care to manage the health risks of heat. If you are travelling to a country experiencing extreme heat, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe." Temperatures have started rising rapidly, just as a new early warning system has come into force. is the first pan-European, publicly available platform that predicts the actual mortality risks of temperatures for different demographics. Those planning a holiday who are concerned about the heat can use it to check how much of a risk to their health they are taking. If you are heading on holiday in the coming weeks, make sure you know the forecasted weather so you can prepare accordingly. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Edinburgh Live
3 days ago
- Climate
- Edinburgh Live
Brits face 'amber alert' in Europe as tourists die, roads melt and wildfires rage
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Brits venturing to the continent in the coming weeks should prepare for scorching temperatures. Spain and Portugal are expected to see a blistering 42°C this weekend, with temperatures likely to climb even higher today. Italy is experiencing melting road surfaces, while Greece has been battling wildfires that have spread across its holiday islands in recent days. The heat dome currently enveloping Europe is no joke, with one tourist already succumbing to heatstroke in Majorca. This sweltering front has surged up from Africa and looks set to push temperatures even higher. READ MORE - BBC Countryfile star Julia Bradbury discovers further health issue during scan READ MORE - Lewis Capaldi announces huge arena tour with two Scottish dates It's unlikely that the heat will ease off anytime soon, due to the heat dome presently over Europe. This meteorological event happens when a high-pressure ridge traps a thick layer of warm air in one area, acting like a lid on a pot. While a bit of sun, sea and sand might seem appealing, such extreme temperatures can be very dangerous, reports the Mirror. The region around Seville in southern Spain was predicted to hit 42°C over the weekend, while the French Mediterranean coast reached 40°C on Saturday, with similar temperatures in southern Italy and Sardinia. London could see highs of 35°C on Monday, potentially making it the hottest June day on record in the country. Spain is bracing for what's expected to be the peak of a scorching heatwave that kicked off last Saturday, smashing June temperature records with a blistering 46 degrees in El Granado down south. A hot and dry air mass from the Sahara is cranking up the heat to "abnormally high and persistent levels, both day and night, which could pose a risk to people," according to a caution from the State Meteorological Agency. Over in the UK, health chiefs have sounded the alarm with an amber heat warning for Tuesday across London, the East Midlands, South East, South West, and East of England. The UK Health Security Agency has flagged concerns that the soaring temperatures could spell trouble for kids, the elderly, and those with underlying health issues. The agency highlights the potential for "a rise in deaths, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups." The sweltering heat is also stirring up the odds of severe storms. France and Germany have already been battered by vicious downpours, hailstorms, and floods, claiming three lives. Tragically, one victim was a child killed by a falling tree. Amber heat warnings are in place for swathes of Spain, with similar alerts issued for four departments in southern France. Spanish weather guru Nacho Espinos has advised folks to stay indoors and dodge any heavy physical activity. A dual warning has been declared across the Canary Islands as they brace for scorching temperatures, with four islands falling under the alert umbrella. Experts caution that temperatures could soar to 37C. On Gran Canaria, heightened concerns emerge over potential forest fire risks and the serious health threats posed by the oppressive heat. Greece, amid the furnace-like conditions, suffered heavily from wildfires this season, experiencing significant fires in various locales. A devastating fire tore through regions south of Athens on Thursday, necessitating evacuation orders and the closure of key roads along the coast to Sounion, where the ancient Temple of Poseidon stands as a major tourist attraction. Firefighters in France have responded to early seasonal blazes, while heatwave alerts have been activated across 84 administrative regions out of 101 starting today until later in the week. The deadly nature of extreme heat was highlighted in 2023 when Europe's record-breaking heatwave resulted in 61,000 deaths. William Spencer from the British Red Cross, specialising in climate and first aid, commented: "Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and getting worse because of climate change. "Sadly, we have seen cases already this year of the tragic impact high temperatures can have on human life. High temperatures make it harder for the body to cool itself and we all need to take care to manage the health risks of heat. If you are travelling to a country experiencing extreme heat, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe." As the mercury begins to climb at an accelerating rate, the new early warning system has been rolled out. stands as the inaugural pan-European platform open to the public; it calculates the actual mortality risks associated with various temperature levels for different groups of people. Those planning to jet off on vacation and worrying about the scorching conditions can now consult this tool to gauge potential health threats. For anyone gearing up for a getaway in the near future, be sure to check the expected climatic conditions with an eye to packing and planning appropriately.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
EU holiday hell for Brits as 'danger alert' issued amidst 46C heat dome
Health and wildfire warnings have been issued by holiday hotspots across the Continent and also in the UK, as a ferocious weather front moves up from Africa and threatens life Brits braving the Continent in the coming weeks should brace themselves for absolutely roasting temperatures. Temperatures were tipped to reach a ferocious 42°C in Spain and Portugal this weekend, and are likely to edge even higher today. Road surfaces are beginning to melt in Italy, while Greece has been plagued by wildfires sweeping across the holiday islands in recent days. The heat dome hanging over Europe is no laughing matter, with one tourist already having lost their life to heatstroke in Majorca. The roasting-hot front has blown up from Africa and looks poised to push thermometers even higher. It's unlikely the heat will relent anytime soon, thanks to the heat dome currently hanging over Europe. The meteorological phenomenon occurs when a high-pressure ridge traps a thick layer of warm air in one region, acting like a lid on a pot. While a little sun, sea and sand might sound tempting, such high temperatures can be very dangerous. The region around Seville in southern Spain was forecast to reach 42°C through the weekend, while the French Mediterranean coast pushed 40°C on Saturday, with similar temperatures in southern Italy and Sardinia. Highs in London could hit 35°C on Monday, potentially making it the hottest June day on record in the country. In Spain, today is expected to be the hottest day of a heat wave that began on Saturday and set a record for June in the country, with 46 degrees in El Granado in the south of the country. The arrival of a warm, dry mass of Saharan origin is exacerbating the rise in temperatures to "abnormally high and persistent levels, both day and night, which could pose a risk to people," the State Meteorological Agency warned. UK health authorities have issued an amber heat alert for Tuesday covering London, the East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England. The UK Health Security Agency has warned that scorching temperatures could pose a risk to children, older people, and those with medical vulnerabilities. It warns of "a rise in deaths, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups." The heat also increases the likelihood of intense storms. France and Germany have been hammered by ferocious rain, hailstorms and flooding, leaving three people dead. Among them was a child who was crushed to death by a falling tree. Amber heat warnings have been issued for many parts of Spain, with similar warnings in place for four departments in the south of France. In Spain, weather expert Nacho Espinos has urged people to remain indoors and avoid strenuous exercise. A double alert has been issued in the Canary Islands due to extreme temperatures, with warnings affecting four of the islands. Weather experts say thermometers could reach 37C. On Gran Canaria, warnings have been issued for the rising risk of forest fires and the health dangers of high heat. In part due to the high heat there, Greece has borne the brunt of the wildfires in Europe so far this summer, with serious blazes breaking out in several areas. A fierce blaze ripped through the area south of Athens on Thursday, leading to evacuation orders and forcing officials to shut off sections of the vital coastal route from the Greek capital to Sounion, home of the historic Temple of Poseidon and a key draw for visitors. In France, firefighters were mobilised to tackle early summer fires as 84 of the country's 101 administrative areas were put on a heatwave alert from today until midweek. Extreme heat can be deadly. In 2023, 61,000 people died because of Europe's record-breaking heatwave. William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the British Red Cross, said: 'Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and getting worse because of climate change. "Sadly, we have seen cases already this year of the tragic impact high temperatures can have on human life. High temperatures make it harder for the body to cool itself and we all need to take care to manage the health risks of heat. If you are travelling to a country experiencing extreme heat, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe.' Temperatures have started rising rapidly, just as a new early warning system has come into force. is the first pan-European, publicly available platform that predicts the actual mortality risks of temperatures for different demographics. Those planning a holiday who are concerned about the heat can use it to check how much of a risk to their health they are taking. If you are heading on holiday in the coming weeks, make sure you know the forecasted weather so you can prepare suitably.
