©János Venczák via Unsplash
A “heat dome” is currently making nearly all of Western Europe sweat. And it’s also exceptionally hot in the Netherlands.
France is bracing for temperatures up to 40 degrees, and other countries will also be sweltering this weekend. Belgium is forecast to reach 36 degrees. The Netherlands is also preparing for the first tropical heat wave of the year.
The main culprit behind this sudden heat? A meander in the jet stream. This wind blows through the atmosphere at an altitude of about 10 kilometers, but sometimes veers off course. When the jet stream over Western Europe meanders northward, warm air from Africa and the Azores is also pushed upward. And because there isn’t a breath of wind here, that heat gets trapped over Western Europe. This is known as a “heat dome.”
A code yellow heat advisory is in effect throughout the Netherlands on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. On Friday and Saturday, temperatures could reach 35 degrees, but this may be accompanied by severe local thunderstorms throughout the weekend. If thunderstorms develop, they could be intense. There is a local risk of disruption and damage from strong gusts of wind, large hail, and heavy rain in a short period of time. Overnight into Saturday, the chance of thunderstorms will decrease again.
Today and in the coming days, it will be very hot. The combination of high temperatures and humidity will create an unpleasant, stifling heat. Older adults and people with underlying health conditions may experience health issues as a result. However, anyone engaging in strenuous physical activity may experience symptoms such as dehydration and overheating. The heat index will reach 8 or 9 in the afternoons over the next few days. The RIVM’s National Heat Plan is also in effect, according to the KNMI.
©János Venczák via Unsplash - illustrative image of summer temperatures