Records Fall in Europe as Heat Dome Sets Up Over Region 

Posted: April 30, 2023 9:01 am

It felt more like August than April in parts of Europe this week with the continent recording its highest ever temperature in the month of April. Here is a look back at this record-breaking heat wave.

Heat Dome Responsible for Record-Breaking Temperatures in Western Europe and Northern Africa

The widespread heat wave came at the hands of a heat dome that set up over Northern Africa and stretched through the Iberian Peninsula. Exceptionally warm air became trapped as the heat dome intensified over the area.

This heat was amplified further due to the ongoing drought conditions in this part of Europe.

The mercury soared to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Spain and Morocco, catching many residents off guard. Readings have hovered well over historical averages for April with a number of all-time records falling across several countries.

The epicenter of the heat has been focused on Spain and Portugal as well as down into Morocco in the northern tier of Africa. Temperatures have hit up to 25 degrees above normal for the last week of April in this region.

The heat began to make its presence known on Tuesday and Wednesday, reaching its peak on Thursday and Friday.

The warmest reading came in Córdoba, Spain when the temperature hit 101.8 degrees. This reading in the southern part of the country beat the previous record of 101.5 degrees set in 2011 in the city of Elche.

The 101.8-degree reading also is distinguished as the highest temperature ever in Europe during the month of April.

It was also exceptionally hot in Portugal with a temperature of 98.4 degrees recorded in Mora. This number easily beat the previous April record in Portugal of 96.8 degrees, set in Pinhão in 1945.

It was even hotter heading farther to the south. The town of Ben Guerir in Morocco saw a searing high of 106.3 degrees on Thursday. This topped the country’s previous all-time April record of 105.8, a figure that had stood since 2006.

Alterations to Daily Life as a Result of the Scorching Heat

The unseasonably warm temperatures created a number of disruptions to everyday life in some parts of Spain. For instance, schools were forced to alter their class schedules in order to keep students out of class during the worst heat of the day.

Trains also began running more frequently in an effort to avoid long lines for passengers standing out on the platforms.

Local officials are advising that residents limit their time spent outdoors. Heat-related illnesses are typically more prevalent during these early-season heat waves when people are not yet acclimated to the warmer temperatures.

Wearing loose-fitting clothing and being diligent about staying hydrated will also help to avoid these types of illnesses related to the extreme heat.

Looking ahead, the mercury is forecast to start a downward trajectory over the next few days. A few weather disturbances are setting up to move across the western portion of Europe, breaking up the heat dome and bringing cooler temperatures.

However, forecasters are warning that temperatures will remain above the seasonal norm despite the slight cooldown.

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