Why Is the Heat Draining Us? Experts Explain the Phenomenon Affecting All of Europe

June has arrived with record temperatures, scorching days and oppressive nights for many people. According to meteorologists, this heatwave may feel even more intense than thermometers indicate, because of humidity in the air, the lack of nighttime coolness and the high temperatures that continue for several days in a row.

Experts explain that at the heart of this situation is the phenomenon known as a “heat dome,” a vast area of high atmospheric pressure that has trapped masses of hot air over the region. According to the BBC, this phenomenon prevents the normal movement of air and causes it to sink toward the Earth’s surface, where it heats up even more.

One of the main reasons why this heatwave is so hard on the body is the high level of humidity. When the air holds a lot of moisture, sweat does not evaporate easily from the skin, which hinders the body’s natural cooling mechanism. As a result, an actual temperature of 35 degrees Celsius can feel as if it exceeds 40 degrees, increasing fatigue and the risk of health problems in cases of prolonged exposure to the heat.

In some areas, 35 degrees Celsius may be perceived as around 41 degrees, as a result of the combination of high temperatures, increased humidity and so-called tropical nights, when temperatures do not drop enough to cool the air.

Experts also stress that several tropical nights in a row can increase the risk of health consequences, including heat exhaustion, strain on the cardiovascular system and sleep disturbances, as the body is unable to fully recover during the night.