Why is Europe facing record-breaking heatwaves?
Summary
Heatwaves in Europe started earlier than usual this year, with temperatures reaching up to 46 degrees Celsius (114 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas. The intense heat led to wildfires, evacuations, and deaths in several countries. Researchers say the heatwaves were worsened by climate change and a weather pattern called a heat dome, which traps hot air.Key Facts
- Europe faced three heatwaves earlier in the year, with temperatures reaching up to 46°C (114°F).
- Wildfires in Greece caused people to evacuate, and emergency measures were taken in France.
- Outdoor work was banned in Italy due to the high temperatures.
- Spain reported 1,180 deaths from high temperatures in two months, an increase from the previous year.
- A study found 2,300 heat-related deaths in 12 European cities from June 23 to July 2, with 1,500 linked to climate change.
- The heatwaves were driven by a heat dome, a high-pressure system that traps hot air.
- June was the warmest on record for Western Europe, with an average temperature of 20.49°C (68.88°F).
- Europe is warming faster than other continents, increasing by 0.53°C (0.95°F) per decade since the mid-1990s.
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