A very strong wave of heat will affect much of western and central Europe in the coming days. In countries such as France, Germany, England, Austria and Spain already record very high temperatures, and mercury can then exceed 40 degrees in France and reach 32 to 33 degrees even in Great Britain.
These are particularly extreme values for these regions. In Paris, for example, the normal maximum temperature of June is about 23-24 degrees, while in the following days it can reach 41 to 42 degrees.
What is a thermal dome?
The intense heat is connected to a powerful anti-cyclone, which creates a "thermal dome".
In simple terms, the atmosphere acts as a cap that encapsulates the very hot air above the same area. The air descends, compresses and warms more, while clouds and winds are limited. Thus, heat is enhanced and maintained for several days.
Increased humidity makes the situation even more difficult, as the human body cannot cool easily. At the same time, very warm nights increase heat stress, especially for elderly people, children, and those in health problems.
The role of climate change
Each heat wave is caused by specific atmospheric conditions. However, today these phenomena manifest on a planet that is already warmer.
Climate change does not in itself create the thermal dome, but strengthens its consequences. Heat waves can now occur more frequently, last longer and reach higher temperatures.
Why is the extreme heat not coming to Greece
In our country the picture is different. The core of very hot gases remains in western and central Europe, while northern and northeastern winds prevail in our region.
Meltemia function as a natural "freno", as they carry relatively cooler air and prevent extreme heat from expanding to Greece with the same intensity. Their impact is greater on the eastern mainland, Evia, the Aegean, Cyclades and Crete. To the west and to the continentals, where the meltemia does not reach that intensely, the temperature will be higher.
Of course, reinforced northers have a dangerous side. In combination with heat and dry vegetation, they significantly increase the risk of manifestation and rapid spread of fires.
How will roll the end of June and July
Over the next few days the temperature in Greece will remain close to normal or slightly higher levels. Towards the end of June, however, a gradual rise is expected, mainly in the west, the mainland and the Dodecanese.
With today's data, we do not seem to be affected by an extreme and prolonged heat wave similar to that of western Europe. However, evolution will depend on whether the powerful anti-cyclone moves further east and on how long the meltemia will be maintained.
For July, predictive data show increased chances of being warmer than normal levels, with average temperature moving about a degree higher. More vulnerable areas seem to be western and northern Greece.
That doesn't mean the whole month will pass with constant heat. It shows, however, that heat will likely be more frequent and that no periods with particularly high temperatures are excluded.
