Europe faces another sizzling early-season heat wave
The long-duration heat event could have significant impacts for a continent where the majority of homes don’t have air conditioning
Yet another sizzling heat wave is on the horizon for Europe this week as a favourable weather pattern looks to push daytime readings well into the 30s.
This is the latest in a series of unusually early heat events that sent temperatures soaring to historic levels even before the official start of summer.
DON’T MISS: Why extreme heat is one of the world’s deadliest weather disasters
Major ridge builds extreme heat across Europe this week
An increasingly strong ridge of high pressure will develop over Europe through the upcoming week. The ridge will initially centre over Spain and France, with effects stretching east toward the Balkans and as far north as southern sections of the U.K.
This ridge will help temperatures rise to unseasonably hot levels throughout much of the continent for an extended period of time, potentially lasting through next weekend and into the following week.
Paris could see a week-and-a-half stretch of daytime highs of 30°C or warmer beginning on Tuesday.
The city’s heat may peak on Thursday and Friday with highs of 36°C and 35°C, respectively, a stifling bout of heat that comes in 10-15 degrees warmer than average for the middle of June.
We’ve already seen one major early-season heat wave affect the region this year.
Searing heat at the end of last month brought the United Kingdom its hottest-ever May temperature, with a 35.1°C reading at London’s Kew Gardens on May 26.
The community of Mora, Portugal, recorded a new national May heat record on May 27 with a temperature of 40.3°C.
Heat waves are especially deadly in Europe
Extreme heat causes more injuries and fatalities than just about any other weather disaster. Heat waves can be particularly devastating in Europe.
For a variety of reasons, the vast majority of homes across Europe still aren't fitted with air conditioning despite the increasing frequency, longevity, and severity of the continent’s heat waves.
Around 69 per cent of Canadian homes have air conditioning, according to Statistics Canada, while that number jumps to approximately 90 per cent of homes down in the United States.
The number is much lower in Europe, where estimates show that air conditioning is present in about 25 per cent of French homes and only around 5 per cent of residences in the United Kingdom.
Header image created using graphics and imagery from NASA and Canva.