France went through the hottest May on record about two months ago, setting new heat records in some of its cities. France had to go through another heat wave last month, and this heat wave also affected many other countries, including Spain and Italy.
But most people are now wondering, “why are these heat waves happening?”
Well, global warming is a part of it, as it adds some heat to the heat waves that are going on around the world. Average temperatures right now are about 2 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1.1 degrees Celsius, up from their averages, which is way higher than they used to be in the 19th century. Before the carbon dioxide releases, and other gasses that were heat trapping spread, it was much cooler, as extreme temperatures and heat start from higher starting points.
There are other possibilities to why Europe has been experiencing heat waves more frequently now, which scientists are debating about. The natural climate can make it harder to figure out the exact influences, Dr.Rousi stated.
Other factors are the movement of the atmosphere, and the ocean that might be helping to make Europe a high heat wave area.
Efi Rousi, who is a senior scientist for the Potsdam Institute for Climate Research that is located in Germany, and a lead researcher of the study of the cause of these heat waves, has said that the heat wave seems to be linked to a “double jet” which has been around Europe for the past couple of weeks.
She also added that the small winds over Europe have allowed the heat to stay.
“It seems this is really favoring the buildup of this heat wave,” she quotes.
Link to article: Why Europe Is Becoming a Heat Wave Hot Spot (yahoo.com)
But most people are now wondering, “why are these heat waves happening?”
Well, global warming is a part of it, as it adds some heat to the heat waves that are going on around the world. Average temperatures right now are about 2 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1.1 degrees Celsius, up from their averages, which is way higher than they used to be in the 19th century. Before the carbon dioxide releases, and other gasses that were heat trapping spread, it was much cooler, as extreme temperatures and heat start from higher starting points.
There are other possibilities to why Europe has been experiencing heat waves more frequently now, which scientists are debating about. The natural climate can make it harder to figure out the exact influences, Dr.Rousi stated.
Other factors are the movement of the atmosphere, and the ocean that might be helping to make Europe a high heat wave area.
Efi Rousi, who is a senior scientist for the Potsdam Institute for Climate Research that is located in Germany, and a lead researcher of the study of the cause of these heat waves, has said that the heat wave seems to be linked to a “double jet” which has been around Europe for the past couple of weeks.
She also added that the small winds over Europe have allowed the heat to stay.
“It seems this is really favoring the buildup of this heat wave,” she quotes.
Link to article: Why Europe Is Becoming a Heat Wave Hot Spot (yahoo.com)
