Geneva : The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) confirmed that extreme heatwaves have become more frequent and intense, last for longer periods and cover wider areas, amid rising global temperatures caused by climate change.
Parts of Europe are experiencing a fifth heatwave during a summer marked by drought, wildfires and record temperatures.
John Kennedy, Head of Climate Information at the WMO, said during a press conference in Geneva that extreme heatwaves have become more frequent and intense, last for longer periods and cover much wider areas, including areas that previously had cooler climates.
He explained that the current pattern of heatwaves in Europe, which is experiencing the fastest rate of rising temperatures in the world, reflects an interaction between the persistence of high-pressure systems in the Northern Hemisphere and rising temperatures caused by climate change.
He noted that high pressure traps warm air, reduces cloud cover and prevents cooler air from arriving, causing heat to remain over large areas for several days or weeks.
He added that El Niño, a natural climate pattern that usually leads to higher global temperatures, did not contribute to the heatwave affecting Europe this year, explaining that climate conditions in the tropical Pacific are currently neutral.
