A strong and widespread heat wave is affecting the Maghreb countries and extending towards Europe by the end of this month.

Arab Weather - Numerical models at the Arabia Weather Center indicate a significant development in weather systems at the end of June, represented by the formation of a strong high pressure system in the upper atmosphere over the western Mediterranean and northwest Africa. This will reinforce the heat dome phenomenon over large areas of the Maghreb, with its impact later extending to parts of southern and western Europe.

Tangible impacts on the Maghreb: a strong and relatively prolonged heat wave.

Forecasts indicate that Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia will be hit by a severe heat wave, gradually beginning in the final days of June and likely lasting for several days. Temperatures are likely to exceed 45°C in some inland and desert regions, while they may approach 40°C in coastal cities, especially if the winds blow from the interior rather than the sea.

The hot mass extends towards southern Europe.

As a result of the strong western Mediterranean high pressure system, hot air is expected to be pushed northward toward the Iberian Peninsula, leading to a heat wave that could affect Spain, Portugal, southern France, and possibly Italy. These regions typically experience summer heat waves, but the combination of a tropical high and low humidity increases the chances of occasional record-breaking temperatures in some cities, particularly those far from maritime influences.

Heat Dome: Its Characteristics and Climatic Effects

A heat dome is a weather phenomenon resulting from the positioning of a strong high in the upper atmosphere, compressing hot air at the surface. As a result, temperatures rise abnormally high, and the impact of solar radiation increases during the day. Under these conditions, the likelihood of forest fires increases, especially in mountainous and forested areas. Electricity consumption also increases due to the use of air conditioning units.

And God knows best.