Record-breaking heat waves are affecting the US and Europe, with experts linking the extreme weather to global warming. The heat waves have been triggered by intense heat domes, which are areas of high pressure that lock hot air in place.

Global Warming and Extreme Weather

According to climate scientists, the strengthening of El Niño and record-high worldwide ocean temperatures could be amplifying the heat. The link between climate change and heat waves is strong, with extreme heat events becoming more common, intense, and long-lasting as the planet warms.

A rapid study on Europe’s most recent heat wave found that it was Europe’s worst heat wave on record, and those extraordinary temperatures would have been virtually impossible just a few decades ago. The primary driver for the uptick in deadly heat waves across the world is the burning of fossil fuels, which drives an exponential increase in extreme heat.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.