“Heat dome” grips Europe, extreme temperatures of up to 39°C forecast

The meteorological service Severe Weather Europe has warned that a phenomenon known as a “heat dome” is developing over much of Europe, bringing unusually high temperatures for this time of year.

According to weather forecasts, temperatures in some regions are expected to rise up to 15 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average, marking one of the earliest and most intense heatwaves of 2026.

The regions expected to be most affected by this heatwave are Spain and Portugal, where temperatures could reach between 35 and 39 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the hot air mass originating from North Africa will gradually expand northward and eastward across the continent, affecting United Kingdom, France, and parts of Central Europe, where afternoon temperatures are expected to range from 25 to 29 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists emphasize that the end of May could bring temperatures more typical of midsummer, while some countries may record new temperature records for this period of the year.

The phenomenon known as a “heat dome” forms when a large mass of warm air becomes trapped over a specific area for an extended period of time. This occurs under the influence of a strong anticyclone and a specific atmospheric circulation pattern known as an “omega block.”

High atmospheric pressure pushes air toward the Earth’s surface, where it warms even further. At the same time, clear skies and a high number of sunshine hours contribute to additional temperature increases, creating conditions for intense heat and drought.

Experts warn that the heatwave could significantly increase the risk of health problems, especially among the elderly, children, and people with chronic illnesses. High temperatures may also negatively affect agriculture, water reserves, and increase the risk of wildfires in several European regions.

At the same time, meteorologists are closely monitoring the development of the El Niño phenomenon, which could further influence weather conditions during the summer across the Balkans and much of Europe.

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