«A Bit Like in a Greenhouse»: What Is a Heat Dome, the Phenomenon Behind France's Summer Temperatures?

France is bracing for a sharp ascent in temperatures this weekend, with Paris set to experience highs exceeding 30°C. This dramatic shift from a cool, rainy Ascension weekend to a hot and dry Pentecostal one is attributed to a heat dome phenomenon. This meteorological event, described as being "a bit like in a greenhouse," involves a persistent high-pressure system trapping warm air over the country, causing mercury to soar. Several cities in the Southwest are anticipating their first 30°C-plus days of the year. Looking ahead, forecasters predict temperatures will remain significantly above average throughout the coming week, ushering in an "almost heatwave" atmosphere. This rapid warming, a jump of 10 to 15°C in just a few days and up to 20°C in some areas, underscores the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events impacting the region. The public is advised to take precautions as the summer-like conditions take hold.