Western Europe Bakes Under Heat Dome, Spelling Trouble for Tourists

Record heat is spreading across western Europe this week, wreaking problems for tourists as the busy travel season ramps up. Here is a look at the extreme heat taking over much of the continent, as well as some tips to stay cool.

Record-breaking Heat Spreading Across Much of Europe

A massive heat dome is sending the temperatures soaring across some portions of western Europe. The United Kingdom broke the record for the toastiest temperature ever recorded in May for the second straight day on Tuesday. This record was notched at both London Heathrow Airport and at Kew Gardens. The mercury hit 94.6 degrees on Monday in London, shattering the previous record of 91.4 degrees set in both 1922 and 1944.

The heat is infiltrating into France as well. The country's national weather service reported that new monthly highs for May have been reported at 352 stations in the western flank of France. The highest reading came in at 98.78 degrees near Hossegor, located in the southwestern corner of the country.

Why Heat Domes Create Dangerous Conditions

It is not unusual for stubborn heat domes to send temperatures skyrocketing. The dome sets up when higher pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere causes air to sink and compress. This movement is responsible for climbing temperatures. The heat becomes trapped as the higher pressure supports plentiful amounts of sunshine. The heat dome also works to keep storm systems from entering the territory, mitigating the chances of any relief.