Explainer: What is a ‘Heat Dome’ and How Does It Fuel Heatwaves?
Large parts of Western Europe are currently enduring a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring past 40°C (104°F) in Spain and wildfires erupting in France. Scientists attribute the extreme heat affecting countries like Britain and the Netherlands to a “heat dome” lingering over the continent.
What is a Heat Dome?
A heat dome occurs when a high-pressure air system becomes trapped over a region, preventing hot air from escaping. Similar to placing a lid on a boiling pot, this system compresses and heats the air beneath it, creating a “dome” of intense heat. The high pressure also suppresses cloud formation, allowing more solar radiation to reach the ground.
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These conditions lead to clear skies, minimal wind, and prolonged heat buildup. Over time, surfaces like roads and buildings absorb and retain more heat, while dry vegetation increases wildfire risks. Heat domes can persist for days or weeks, dissipating only when another weather system—such as a storm or cooler low-pressure front—displaces it.
Is Climate Change a Factor?
While heat domes are not new, climate change is amplifying their effects. Rising global temperatures—up nearly 1.3°C since the Industrial Revolution—intensify heatwaves, making them more frequent, severe, and longer-lasting.
Europe, the world’s fastest-warming continent, is heating at twice the global average. Spain just recorded its hottest June on record, while Portugal hit a national June high of 46.6°C. Although a specific study is needed to link this event directly to climate change, the early onset and extreme temperatures align with known climate trends.
Will Heatwaves Increase?
Yes. Climate change is causing heatwaves to start earlier and last longer. Recent heat domes have also scorched parts of the U.S., and seasonal forecasts predict a hotter-than-average summer for Europe.
As greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, such extreme heat events are expected to become more common, posing greater risks to health, agriculture, and ecosystems.
