Tue, 15 Aug 2023 19:47:06 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<https://theconversation.com/european-heatwave-whats-causing-it-and-is-climate-change-to-blame-209653>
"Europe is currently in the midst of a heatwave. Italy, in particular, is
expected to face blistering heat, with temperatures projected to reach 40℃ to
45℃. There’s even a chance that the current European temperature record of
48.8℃, set in Sicily in 2021, could be surpassed.
Searing temperatures have spread to other countries in southern and eastern
Europe, including France, Spain, Poland and Greece. The heat will complicate
the travel plans of those heading to popular holiday destinations across the
region.
Heatwaves, which are defined as prolonged periods of exceptionally hot weather
in a specific location, can be extremely dangerous. Europe has experienced its
fair share of devastating heatwaves in the past.
In 2003, a heatwave swept across Europe, claiming the lives of over 70,000
people. Then, in 2022, another heatwave hit Europe, resulting in the deaths of
almost 62,000 people.
The current heatwave is being caused by an anticyclone named Cerberus after the
three-headed monster-dog that guards the gates of the underworld in Greek
mythology. An anticyclone – or high-pressure system – is a normal
meteorological phenomenon in which sinking air from the upper atmosphere brings
about a period of dry and settled weather with limited cloud formation and
little wind.
High-pressure systems tend to be slow moving, which is why they persist for
days, or even weeks at a time. They often become semi-permanent features over
large areas of land. When high pressure systems form over hot land, in regions
like the Sahara, the stability of the system generates even hotter temperatures
because the already warm air is heated even more.
Eventually, the anticyclone will weaken or break down and the heatwave will
come to an end. According to the Italian Meteorological Society, the Cerberus
heatwave is expected to persist for around two weeks."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
"Europe is currently in the midst of a heatwave. Italy, in particular, is
expected to face blistering heat, with temperatures projected to reach 40℃ to
45℃. There’s even a chance that the current European temperature record of
48.8℃, set in Sicily in 2021, could be surpassed.
Searing temperatures have spread to other countries in southern and eastern
Europe, including France, Spain, Poland and Greece. The heat will complicate
the travel plans of those heading to popular holiday destinations across the
region.
Heatwaves, which are defined as prolonged periods of exceptionally hot weather
in a specific location, can be extremely dangerous. Europe has experienced its
fair share of devastating heatwaves in the past.
In 2003, a heatwave swept across Europe, claiming the lives of over 70,000
people. Then, in 2022, another heatwave hit Europe, resulting in the deaths of
almost 62,000 people.
The current heatwave is being caused by an anticyclone named Cerberus after the
three-headed monster-dog that guards the gates of the underworld in Greek
mythology. An anticyclone – or high-pressure system – is a normal
meteorological phenomenon in which sinking air from the upper atmosphere brings
about a period of dry and settled weather with limited cloud formation and
little wind.
High-pressure systems tend to be slow moving, which is why they persist for
days, or even weeks at a time. They often become semi-permanent features over
large areas of land. When high pressure systems form over hot land, in regions
like the Sahara, the stability of the system generates even hotter temperatures
because the already warm air is heated even more.
Eventually, the anticyclone will weaken or break down and the heatwave will
come to an end. According to the Italian Meteorological Society, the Cerberus
heatwave is expected to persist for around two weeks."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
