Heat dome sends Europe into first major heat wave of the season
A building heat dome is projected to bring unusually warm weather to western Europe through next week, following a cooler-than-average May
Europe is about to experience its first major heat wave of the year, as a strengthening heat dome pushes temperatures well above seasonal levels across western parts of the continent this weekend and into next week.
The warmer pattern follows an unusually cool May across much of Europe, but conditions are shifting as a ridge of high pressure forms over the region Thursday and Friday.
Temperatures are expected to rise steadily into the weekend, with many areas in the U.K., France and neighbouring countries reaching the low to mid-20s by the end of the work week.
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Heat expected to expand across western Europe
The hottest conditions are expected to develop this weekend and early next week as the heat dome intensifies and settles over western Europe.
Portugal, Spain, France and the U.K. are all expected to experience widespread low to mid-30s temperatures in some areas. Coastal communities may remain slightly cooler due to sea breezes and the moderating effect of nearby water.
The heat dome's centre is expected to be near France and the U.K. early next week, but the warmer-than-normal pattern will extend throughout Europe.
Summer-like temperatures likely to linger
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The heat is anticipated to continue through much of next week, with temperatures in some areas rising five to 10 degrees or more above seasonal averages.
While the most intense heat will remain concentrated in western Europe, other parts of the continent will likely experience warmer, summer-like conditions as the pattern persists.
Forecasters continue to monitor how long the heat dome will remain over the region, however current trends point to an extended period of unusually warm weather in May.
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