A heat dome is the driving force behind the UK's record-breaking June heatwave, which has forced schools and workplaces to close and triggered the first-ever three-day red weather warning. The intense heat, with temperatures exceeding 35°C, has been linked to high humidity, tropical nights where temperatures remain above 20°C, and a large area of high pressure.
What Is a Heat Dome?
Dr Akshay Deoras, senior research scientist at the University of Reading, described the heat dome as a 'furnace' gripping southern UK. A heat dome occurs when air sinks through the atmosphere, compressing and heating as it reaches the ground. This sinking air prevents cloud formation, allowing the sun to further heat the surface. The dome is centred over France, where temperatures have exceeded 40°C, while the UK experiences a flow of hotter, moister air from the west.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
June has seen the hottest day and hottest night ever recorded in the UK, along with the first three-day red weather warning. London has experienced some of the warmest temperatures. The heatwave is expected to end this weekend, with Saturday reaching 30°C and Sunday dropping to 26°C, followed by cooler temperatures next week.
Climate Change Role
Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, stated: 'Human induced climate change has made events like this more likely and more intense. To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering.' The Met Office forecasts that intense heatwaves will increase worldwide due to climate change.
Impact on Daily Life
The heatwave has led to school and workplace closures across the country. The red weather warning, issued for the first time for three consecutive days, has prompted public health advice to stay hydrated and avoid peak sun hours. The extreme conditions have also raised concerns about infrastructure strain and health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Expert Analysis
Dr Deoras told BBC Weather: 'This is not just a heatwave, it is a heat-dome driven furnace that will push temperatures into truly exceptional territory.' The combination of high pressure, humidity, and lack of cloud cover has made the heat feel more intense than the actual temperature readings.
