Latest World News: Explained: Why is Europe so hot and how long will it last? –
Athens: Europe has had to deal with the effects of extreme weather, from record-breaking heat waves to disastrous wildfires, Al Jazeera reported.
This month, the World Meteorological Organization reported that the first week of July was the hottest on record.
The extreme temperatures followed the hottest June on record, which was caused by a combination of climate change and El Niño, a cyclical weather phenomenon that warms the Pacific Ocean.
A so-called heat dome that blanketed the southern part of Europe this week contributed to some of the hottest temperatures Europe has seen so far this summer, according to Al Jazeera.
On July 10, a high-pressure anticyclone named Cerberus, a nod to the terrifying underworld watchdog of Greek mythology, began approaching from the south.
He was followed by Charon, named after a mythological ferryman who transported souls from the world of the living to the world of the dead. Parts of Greece, Spain and Italy had temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) during this weather system.
The warm weather prevailing in Europe may also have been influenced by a heat wave in the Atlantic Ocean reported in early July, the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts suggested on Wednesday.
Most of the Atlantic basins have seen an increase in temperature, especially those in North America and Europe. Ocean heat waves warm the air masses above them and can alter atmospheric circulation patterns, according to Al Jazeera.
Scientists predict that the increased frequency, extreme heat and dangerous heat waves will be the result of climate change, which is mainly caused by greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels.
Climate change across the world is increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves, Akshay Deoras, a researcher at the National Center for Atmospheric Science at the University of Reading, told Al Jazeera.
This effectively turns heat waves into severe heat waves, he added.
What are anticyclones?
Anticyclones are the antithesis of cyclones and bring stormy weather. These are areas of high pressure with slower winds. Therefore, they are often associated with sunny and warm weather, although they can also become heat sinks.
If a high pressure comes to our area, and if it goes away in a few days, then you don’t get as much heat because it’s just a transient phenomenon. But if it stays longer, temperatures rise, Deoras said.
That’s what happened last week. There was this area of high pressure that came from North Africa and was anchored in southern Europe. Then it went, and we had another one this week, which they called the new Charon heatwave, he added.
Hannah Cloke, a climatologist also at the University of Reading, described what the phenomenon looks like, according to Al Jazeera.
The hot air bubble inflating over southern Europe has turned Italy and neighboring countries into a giant pizza oven, it said in a statement.
The warm air, which pushed in from Africa, now remains in place with stable high pressure conditions, meaning heat in the warm sea, land and air continues to build up, Cloke added.
Which countries have been most affected?
The countries most affected by the heat wave are Greece, Italy and Spain; however, parts of France, Germany and Poland also experienced significant heat waves.
How long will the heat wave last?
Extreme temperatures are expected to last through Thursday before a warmer air mass moves in from the north. However, the relief may not last long as another spell of extreme heat is expected early next week (Sunday to Tuesday), according to the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.
If the heat dome is undisturbed, forecasts predict that Europe may continue to experience more extreme heat events.
What can we expect for Southern Europe in the coming days?
Future temperatures for Greece are expected to range from 41 to 45 C (105 to 113 F). All archaeological monuments, including the Acropolis of Athens, will be closed from noon to 5:30 p.m. (09:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. GMT) until Sunday, according to the Culture Ministry.
High temperatures are forecast for central and southern Italy, with a high of 40C (104F) in Sardinia and 41C (105F) in Palermo. However, a break from the heat is predicted as Charon weakens in the north.
There will also be some relief in parts of Spain. Northeastern Spain is expected to experience storms and the western Canary Islands will experience strong gusts of wind. Meanwhile, Sevilla and Cordoba in the south are expected to experience temperatures of 38C (110F) on Sunday, Al Jazeera reported.
This post was last modified on July 23, 2023, 8:06 a.m.
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Economic Transformations:
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Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
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Sports and Cultural Milestones:
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In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.