Heat dome over Europe. First fatalities reported

At least seven people have died in France due to the heat, while more than a dozen have been hospitalized. The United Kingdom is reporting temperatures of up to 35°C, and in Italy legally permitted working hours in direct sunlight have been reduced because of the heat. Scientists explain the May weather phenomenon as a heat dome that has settled over much of Europe. Will it get even hotter?

Europe is boiling. Some places are beginning to run out of water

The Met Office reported that last Monday was the hottest May day in United Kingdom history, with temperatures reaching 34.8°C at Kew Gardens in London. Another record was broken on Tuesday, when temperatures climbed to 35.1°C. Underground passengers in the capital struggled with extreme heat in train carriages without air conditioning, while rail traffic from Waterloo station was disrupted following reports of smoke on the tracks.

Historic highs were also recorded in France, where thermometers showed 33-36°C. Thirteen of France’s 96 administrative departments were placed under an orange weather alert, and Météo-France says temperature anomalies have already reached +10°C. On both sides of the English Channel, drownings were reported as people attempted to cool off by swimming.

Temperatures above 30°C have also hit Spain, Portugal, Italy and Hungary. The high temperatures are placing growing pressure on water resources. In the British counties of Kent and Sussex, increased water consumption caused a system failure that left 250 homes without tap water. The situation is also worrying on the continent, where exceptionally low water levels have been observed in many river basins since the beginning of May.

What is a heat dome?

What is currently happening in Europe is difficult to describe as a typical heatwave. Meteorologists are instead using the term heat dome, which refers to the development of a strong and stable high-pressure system combined with weak atmospheric circulation. As a result, warm air becomes trapped over land like a lid on a pot, and temperatures rise day by day. Nights are also tropical, while limited rainfall increases the risk of drought.

What are the forecasts for the coming days? It will remain very warm. Temperatures in the northwestern part of the British Isles are expected to fall slightly by the end of the week, but in Spain the Aemet weather service forecasts heat of 36-38°C, locally even reaching 40°C. Hot days and nights are also expected in the Benelux countries, while Germany, Czechia and Austria may experience thunderstorms accompanied by possible hail.

How to escape the heat?

Poland also began the week with hot weather, and despite a temporary cooldown, meteorologists from IMGW-PIB forecast that temperatures in western parts of the country could reach 27°C next Sunday. Those who struggle with heat may consider a trip to the seaside or the Masurian Lake District, where temperatures will be several degrees lower. At present, the warmest conditions are in southern Poland, with up to 26°C in the Podkarpackie region, while the Tri-City area enjoys a pleasant 18°C and Hel records only 15°C.

The heat dome currently dominates all of southern and central Europe. Cooler conditions are found only along the coasts of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, in Scandinavia and in Iceland. Relief from the heat is best sought locally in shaded parks, near water and inside air-conditioned buildings. Experts are urging people to avoid staying in direct sunlight and to drink more water.