Get Ready to Sizzle: Europe's Hottest Summer Shenanigans in 2023

Buckle up, folks! We're in for a wild ride as summer takes its last hurrah in 2023. If you thought you'd seen enough sunscreen and ice cream cones this year, think again. A new, formidable heatwave is about to grip Western and Central Europe, and it's not holding back!

Photo by MI PHAM

Author Marko Korosec spills the beans on the sweltering spectacle that's about to unfold. Picture this: a heat dome that's bigger and badder than ever, ready to turn Europe into a sauna that's hotter than your friend's takes on social media.

While the rest of the continent was enjoying a siesta from extreme temperatures, southern Europe decided to one-up the heat game. But oh boy, it's not stopping there. This week, it's cranking things up a notch. That's right, it's like Mother Nature's grand finale, and she's bringing the heatwave fireworks.

Now, let's talk about that "heat dome." It's like putting a lid on a pot, but instead of steam, you get blistering hot air trapped underneath. Meteorologists call it a "heat dome," and it's the ultimate diva of weather patterns. This baby intensifies heatwaves like nobody's business. And guess what? It's making a comeback and ready to party over Europe.

But what's the deal with this heat dome, you ask? Well, it's like the Beyoncé of atmospheric phenomena. It's a high-pressure area that sits over a chunk of land and says, "Let's crank up the heat!" It's so good at what it does that temperatures go bananas, breaking records like a bulldozer through a sandcastle.

Speaking of records, Spain just said, "Hold my sangria," and broke its all-time temperature high. Valencia hit a scorching +46.8°C, leaving the old record in the dust like yesterday's news. But hey, it's not a one-country show. Turkey waltzed into the party with a record-smashing +50°C (that's 122°F for those keeping score). It's like they wanted to prove that hot yoga was just child's play.

Remember that saying, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen?" Well, turns out that applies to the Mediterranean Sea as well. It got so hot that it set a new record for sea surface temperature. Imagine swimming in a giant, heated bathtub. Talk about taking climate change personally!

And let's not forget July 2023—the month when Earth decided to turn up the thermostat. It became the hottest July since leg warmers were a thing. The world collectively exclaimed, "Is it hot in here or is it just me?" It was actually hot in here, breaking records left and right.

So, what's next? Brace yourselves, because this heatwave is here to stay. Europe's gonna be like a sauna on steroids, and staying cool will be the ultimate challenge. Think of it as the final exam in the School of Summer Survival. Remember to drink water, wear sunscreen, and seek out air-conditioned havens.

Get ready to roast, toast, and boast about surviving the summer of 2023. It's a hot topic, literally! And as the sun sets on this season, we can only hope for cooler times ahead. Stay frosty, my friends! 🌞🌡️