A "heat dome" is essentially a high-pressure system that traps hot air over a region, like a lid on a pot—or, as the article puts it, a pizza oven. Right now, it's smothering much of Europe, including the UK, with intense and prolonged heat. The piece explains what causes this phenomenon and how long the sweltering conditions might last.

Editor’s Note: Heat domes aren’t just uncomfortable—they’re dangerous, straining health systems, agriculture, and infrastructure. With climate change making extreme heat more frequent, understanding these events isn’t just about weather trivia; it’s about preparing for a hotter, riskier future.

Southern Europe is baking under an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring past 40°C in Italy, Spain, and Greece. Local officials are warning about heightened wildfire risks, and Rome is seeing temps a staggering 8 degrees hotter than usual for this time of year.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another summer scorcher—it's a sign of how extreme heat is becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Beyond discomfort, these temperatures strain infrastructure, threaten health (especially for vulnerable groups), and ramp up wildfire dangers, which can devastate communities and ecosystems. It's a stark reminder that heatwaves aren't just inconvenient; they're increasingly dangerous.