What are Heat domes? (And are they getting worse?) – UK Weather
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One weather term that regularly appears in headlines during major heatwaves is “heat dome”. But what exactly is a heat dome, how does it produce such extreme temperatures, and are these events becoming more intense as our climate warms? In this video, meteorologist and presenter Aidan McGivern investigates the science behind heat domes and persistent summer blocking highs.
Travelling from the Met Office forecasting operations centre to the University of Exeter, Aidan speaks to experts about the meteorology behind some of the most extraordinary heatwaves ever recorded. The video looks back at the unprecedented western Canada heatwave of 2021, which brought the term 'heat dome' into headlines around the world, and explores the similarities with recent UK heatwaves that have shattered temperature records.
Featuring:
• Armel Castellan, Extreme Heat Services Technical Advisor at the World Meteorological Organization, who witnessed the historic Canadian heatwave firsthand.
• Paul Gundersen, Principal Operational Meteorologist at the Met Office, explaining the atmospheric ingredients needed for the UK's most extreme heatwaves.
• Prof Jennifer Catto, Professor in Weather and Climate from the University of Exeter, discussing climate research into blocking patterns, heatwaves and future climate change.
00:00 - Introduction: The Rise of Extreme Heat
01:10 - The 2021 Western Canada Heat Wave
03:30 - What is a Heat Dome?
04:20 - Real-World Impact and Vulnerability
06:45 - Ingredients for UK Heat Waves
09:10 - Breaking Records in the Modern Climate
12:20 - Scientific Research: Blocking Highs and Climate Change
15:18 - Beyond the Forecast: Heat Action Plans
16:50 - Conclusion: The Changing Consequences of Weather
#HeatDome #Heatwave #ClimateChange #MetOfficeExplains #WeatherScience #UKWeather #ExtremeWeather #Meteorology #ClimateScience #BlockingHigh #JetStream #Explainer
Presented by Aidan McGivern
Filmed and edited by Rich Hyde
Graphics by Mark Machin
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