Unprecedented fires are going on in different countries of Europe. Fires are spreading in some countries. According to the World Meteorological Organization, this month started with the hottest week.
Climate change and the effects of El Nino (when the Pacific Ocean is warmer than normal) have led to hot extremes. Because of this, there was a record high temperature last June. In addition, the warmest weather in Europe prevails due to the hot air blowing in the south.
Why is Europe so hot?
A high pressure anticyclone named Cerberus has been moving over the southern region since July 10. Then another high pressure called Charon is formed. Such weather could see temperatures in Greece, Spain and Italy exceed 45 degrees Celsius, which would be a record.
The European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts said last Wednesday that a heat wave in the Atlantic Ocean in early June also contributed to Europe’s current hot weather.
Most of the Atlantic Ocean basin, particularly North America and Europe, is seeing warming. Ocean warming is affecting the atmosphere and warming ocean air.
Climate change is exacerbated by greenhouse gases emitted by the use of fossil fuels. Scientists say climate change is causing frequent, intense and dangerous wildfires.
Akshay Deoras, a scientist at Reading University’s National Center for Atmospheric Science, told Al-Jazeera, “Due to global climate change, the extent, intensity and persistence of wildfires is increasing. The heat is taking the form of intense heat.
What is anticyclone?
Stormy weather occurs due to cyclones. And anticyclone is the opposite condition. This is the high pressure area, where the wind speed is relatively slow. These are usually clean, warm weather conditions. But sometimes it can take severe form.
Akshay Deoras, a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Science at the University of Reading, said, ‘If a high pressure condition develops in our region and it dissipates in a few days, it will not be very hot. Because, it is a temporary condition. However, if this condition is prolonged, the temperature rises. This is what happened last week. The high pressure created in North Africa is located in Southern Europe. Then it moved away. A high pressure has formed again this week. The new star has been named Charon.
Hannah Cloke, climatologist at the University of Reading, described how hot it feels in a statement. He claimed that Italy and the surrounding nations have been transformed into a massive pizza oven by the hot air flowing across southern Europe.
Cloke added in the statement that warm air from Africa is now associated with a high pressure system. This means that warmer oceans, land and air will continue to have warmer conditions.
Which countries are affected more?
The countries most affected by the heat wave are Greece, Italy and Spain. There were large fires in France, Germany and some parts of Poland.
How long will the fire last?
The European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts predicted that the extreme heat would pass by Thursday (July 20). But this comfortable situation will not last long. Because, extreme hot conditions may start again from next Sunday. And this situation will remain till next Tuesday. The agency also predicted that Europe will have to deal with several more extreme heat conditions.
What is likely to happen in southern Europe in the coming days?
Temperatures in Greece may reach 41-45 degrees Celsius (105-113 degrees Fahrenheit) over the next few days. The country’s culture ministry said all archaeological sites in Athens, including the Acropolis, would be closed from 12pm to 5.30pm due to extreme temperatures. This instruction will be effective till next Sunday.
Temperatures are forecast to rise in central and southern Italy. Temperatures are forecast to reach 40 °C (104 °F) in Sardinia and 41 °C (105 °F) in Palermo.
However, high pressure conditions in northern Italy are expected to weaken Charon. And it will reduce the heat there.
Some areas of Spain may also find some relief. Storms are forecast for northeastern Spain. Strong gusty winds may occur in the western Canary Islands. However, temperatures in the southern cities of Seville and Córdoba are expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius on Sunday.
July is likely to be a hot month
Gavin Schmitt, the leading climatologist of the US space agency NASA, said that the month of July this year could be the warmest month in the world in several hundred years. He gave such a glimpse at a press conference at NASA last Thursday.
Gavin Schmidt said, “With what’s happening now, 2023 could be the hottest year ever.” He also hinted that 2024 could be even warmer due to El Nino.
According to data from the European Union and the University of Maine, July is setting record high temperatures every day. It is claimed that by analyzing data from ground and artificial satellites.