Tracking Europe’s dangerous heat
Temperatures across the Midwest and Western United States have remind above average throughout the majority of June and July. Columbia Missouri has reached 99 degrees as our hottest recorded temperature for 2022 so far. Across the Atlantic ocean, the United Kingdom has officially surpassed Columbia's high and have beaten their own previous records. Before July 19th of this year, the standing record high sat at just over 101 degrees Fahrenheit. The record set today was recorded at Heathrow London at 104.36 degrees Fahrenheit.
The typical average high across London sits between 70-73 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to lower averages, only 5% of the populations housing has air conditioning units on standby. This has led to widespread public health concerns and even deaths in some cases. This dangerous heat is not the only major concern in Europe currently. Dry conditions across much of the land has led to increased risks of wildfires. Many wildfires have already broken out as fire departments across the region have raced to limit spreading.
The main reasoning behind such unseasonable temperatures and conditions stands because of a stout high pressure system parked over much of Europe. Fronts are unable to pass this high pressure system leading to a lack of moisture to supply adequate rainfall. Winds are also forced to take a southward descent leading to the passage of high heat from northeastern Africa to flow further northward.
Thankfully, relief is on the way to Europe. the current high pressure system will continue to push off to the east with a low pressure system to the west waiting to bring back seasonable temperatures and the chance for more showers.
