23 May, 2023:A heat wave about to sweep through the UK ? What are scientists saying about the global temperature ? Read to know more.
The arrival of the African Plume, which will bring "record-breaking" temperatures, is expected to bring previously unheard-of heat waves to the United Kingdom, according to meteorologists.
By the end of May, a high-pressure system that is rapidly moving towards the nation will bring extremely hot weather to the UK. Temperatures might rise as high as 35 degrees Celsius.
A huge volume of hot air traveling from the Sahara desert to Europe is the defining feature of the weather event. It results in an extended stretch of extremely high temperatures that could last days or weeks.
What is "African plume heatwave"?
The African Plume Heatwave is a special kind of weather that happens when really hot and dry air from a place called the Sahara Desert in Africa moves towards other parts of the world, like Europe. This hot air is like a big, invisible blanket that covers the area it moves into, and it can make the weather very, very hot.
When this African Plume reaches a place like Europe, it can bring a lot of heat and make the temperatures go way higher than normal. It's like turning up the heat in an oven! This can make it uncomfortable for people because it feels really hot outside, and it can also be dangerous if people don't take precautions to stay cool and hydrated.
Sometimes, the African Plume also carries tiny particles of dust with it. These particles can make the air look hazy and not as clear as usual. They can also make it harder to breathe for some people, especially those who already have problems with their breathing.
So, in simple terms, the African Plume Heatwave is when really hot and dry air from the Sahara Desert moves to other places and makes the weather really hot, sometimes bringing dusty air with it.
"During an African plume event, southerly or southeasterly winds carry the hot and dry air across the Mediterranean Sea towards the British Isles. As the air mass moves over the warm waters of the Mediterranean, it absorbs heat and moisture, further intensifying its warmth and humidity," a report stated.
A vital temperature threshold may be crossed by the planet's temperatures for the first time in the upcoming years, according to scientists. Between now and 2027, there is a 66% chance that the earth will warm by more than 1.5°C, according to researchers.