From 16 to 19 July 2022, the UK experienced a short and severe heatwave. As hot air moved from mainland Europe extreme temperatures were recorded on both 18 and 19 July. For the first time in the UK, 40°C was exceeded, and 35°C was recorded for the first time in Scotland. Significant heatwaves were also experienced in western Europe, China and the USA, with higher than normal risks of drought and wildfires reported.
The heatwave was a result of a combination of factors. High pressure systems were pushed further north by Tropical Storm Alex, allowing sunshine to heat the European continent and Iberian peninsula particularly strongly. This was combined with a push of air from north Africa, bringing with it more dust and heat. When this air mass moved north, it brought extremely hot air over the UK for several days. A ‘heat dome’ caused by an area of high pressure with falling air trapped warm air at the surface creating extreme temperatures.
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