intense barrage of heat, referred to as "Heat wave" or "heatwave", accompanied by storm "Floris"
Europe Braces for Intense Heat Wave in August
Western Europe, including France and Spain, is experiencing cooler and wetter weather than usual, reminiscent of late spring rather than summer. However, forecasters predict a significant change as a strong heat wave and heat dome are expected to build up and intensify from around August 7-8, lasting into mid-August.
According to Météo France analysts, a new heat episode is set to begin next week, originating from the Iberian Peninsula. France and parts of Spain will experience daytime highs reaching low 40s °C (over 104 °F), with Spain’s southern regions possibly hitting 42 °C (108 °F).
The coast of Cordoba and Seville in Spain is expected to reach 45 degrees, while the interior of the country will experience a real heat dome. In France, temperatures are expected to peak in some places between the Aquitaine basin and the Toulouse region, reaching 40 degrees.
The heat wave is expected to amplify and take on a heat wave character from the beginning of the week, primarily in Occitania, the southwest quarter, part of the Centre-Val de Loire, and finally the Hauts-de-France at the end of the week.
Meanwhile, Eastern Europe and the Balkans will face severe heat, while central Europe will see volatile weather with thunderstorms as cool west air meets hot east air.
In a related development, Storm Floris, an unusual phenomenon for the season, is expected to hit the UK between Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 August, with gusts reaching up to 130 km/h in northern Ireland, North Wales, North England, and all of Scotland. However, some remnants of Floris should reach the coast of France, including the shores of Cotentin and the Hauts-de-France region, with gusts predicted at 90 km/h and scattered rain.
The heat wave could be particularly oppressive in urban areas, with higher temperatures in city centers compared to rural areas. To mitigate the effects of the heat wave, authorities are recommending staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activities in midday heat, using air conditioning or cooling centers when possible, monitoring local wildfire alerts, especially in drought-affected regions, and taking care of vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children.
The Centre d'études et d'expertise sur les risques, l'environnement, la mobilité et l'aménagement (Cerema) has published an interactive map to highlight the urban heat island phenomenon. The peak of the heat wave in France is expected around August 9.
A study published on the Climameter network website suggests that the very high temperatures at the end of June were exacerbated by human-induced climate change, with natural variability playing a minor role. The heat wave in France could potentially break records if it persists at night in some French departments.
The name "Floris" was given to the storm by the British meteorological office. Despite the approaching storm, the heat wave is expected in France on Thursday, with temperatures in the southwest expected to reach 40 degrees.
- The heat wave predicted in Western Europe, particularly France and Spain, is not typical for summer, but rather a characteristic of climate-change-induced environmental-science phenomena.
- As the heat wave intensifies, weather-forecasting models predict daytime highs reaching over 40 degrees Celsius, with Spain's southern regions possibly hitting 42 degrees, requiring appropriate precautions to mitigate its effects.
- Amidst the heat wave, a separate weather event, Storm Floris, is expected to hit the UK, while some of its remnants could potentially reach the French coast, contributing to unpredictable weather patterns in August.
