Much of Europe was hit by a particularly strong winter heat dome, leading to unusually warm temperatures in January. The winter heatwave broke multiple records as temperatures rose 18 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 20 degrees Celsius) above normal on the continent from France to western Russia.
The Washington Post called it an “Extreme Event” as 4 countries recorded their warmest temperatures ever in January. These heat waves recorded temperatures of 67.3 degrees (19.6 degrees C) in the Czech Republic, 66.2 degrees (19.0 degrees Celsius) in Poland and 62.4 degrees (16.9 degrees Celsius) in the Netherlands. Temperatures in the 50s and 60s also set records in Belarus, Denmark, Latvia and Lithuania.
Altdorf, Switzerland, where temperatures broke the previous record set in 1864 by reaching 66.5°F (19.2°C) on January 1, could see a significant lack of snow in image provided by the EU Copernicus Programme.
Meteorologists are issuing warnings against heat domes. European citizens are asked to take special precautions, especially the elderly, children and people with chronic diseases.
We just witnessed the warmest January day on record in many countries in Europe.
Truly unprecedented in modern records. pic.twitter.com/bUux1XOBH9
— Scott Duncan (@ScottDuncanWX)
January 1, 2023
What is a heat dome?
A heat dome is an area of high pressure characterized by sinking air and trapped warm air, resulting in prolonged hot weather. As the atmosphere acts as a lid and traps the warm ocean air, the high pressure causes the hot air to strain vertically into the atmosphere and push down towards the ground. Since the air can’t escape, it compresses and traps more heat underneath.
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When this hot air is trapped in one place for a long time, it forms a heat dome. Heat domes usually last only a few days, but they can sometimes last for weeks, potentially leading to catastrophic heat waves.
Heat waves have existed for a long time, however, due to climate change and subsequent global warming, the situation is getting worse and heat waves are becoming more prominent.
The 2023 winter heatwave is not the first to hit the planet. In 2021, a heat dome that formed in Western Canada and the United States in 2021 caused deadly heat waves. Temperatures increased from 46 to 49 degrees Celsius. According to the media, hundreds of people are believed to have died due to this terrible weather phenomenon.
The current temperature is 8.5 C / 47 F at the Chamrousse ski resort outside Grenoble, France. There was almost no snow at the 1800 m village and the clearing along the 2250 m ski run. Grenoble Valley itself 19-20 C / 66-68 C below one fohn. Webcam image from https://t.co/pKN4KRBnJB pic.twitter.com/YCGrIxoCtw
— Pete D. Akers (@PeteScientist)
January 1, 2023
The heat wave is forecast to ease in the next few days. According to Daily Mail, 2023 is predicted to be one of the hottest years on record worldwide. Drastic action must be taken to limit global warming and climate change to prevent future catastrophic disasters.
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Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: pagasa.edu.vn