Germany braces for "hellish summer" with record-breaking heatwaves
Despite a relatively calm June, meteorologists are forecasting the arrival of extreme heatwaves in Germany this year. Experts are warning about the possibility of breaking existing temperature records and are calling the upcoming season a "hellish summer."
Meteorologists predict that this summer in Germany could be sweltering—despite the recent cooling and rainy June. Experts point out that 2023 was already the warmest year on record, and this year could bring even higher temperatures. Experts quoted by German media are already using the term "hellish summer" to describe the upcoming season.
Surprising cause of rising temperatures
One of the main factors contributing to the forecasted temperature increase is, paradoxically, reduced air pollution. Cleaner air allows more substantial penetration of solar rays to the Earth's surface, leading to more intense warming of the atmosphere. Experts warn that many forecasting models do not account for this phenomenon, which could result in underestimating the actual temperature increase.
Scientists analyzed meteorological data from 1980 to 2022, showing that many weather models underestimated the warming in European countries by nearly 1 degree Celsius. Researchers emphasize that omitting air circulation in the models leads to inaccurate forecasts. As a result, experts predict that Europe, including Germany, is warming faster than previously assumed.
Record heatwaves possible across Europe
Specialists are calling for the inclusion of changes in air pollution emissions in forecasting models. They note that the intensity of solar radiation in Europe is remarkably increasing in regions where air quality is improving. This phenomenon could contribute to record-breaking heatwaves this year, surpassing all previous measurements.
Experts emphasize that understanding and accounting for new factors affecting the climate is crucial for effective forecasting and preparing for upcoming weather changes.
