This weekend's high temperatures are visible on our measured temperature map. On Sunday, 2023-08-21, the south of France recorded temperatures of up to 42°C. In the rest of western and central Europe, daytime temperatures mostly exceeded 30 °C, followed by tropical nights.
The high temperatures caused by this heat wave will persist until Thursday and should start to ease from Friday (2023-08-25) onwards. You can follow the evolution of the maximum temperatures forecast on our maximum temperature map.
This heat wave is caused by an anticyclonic heat dome that has settled over much of Europe. During this meteorological phenomenon, a vast zone of atmospheric high-pressure forms in the upper layers of the atmosphere. This high-pressure acts like a "dome" that traps warm air near the Earth's surface causing a significant rise in temperature and often an intense, prolonged heat wave.
The heat dome also prevents the arrival of clouds, winds and rain that could bring lower temperatures. Temperatures will start to decrease again when this stable area of high pressure weakens. You can also view pressure forecasts on our sea-level pressure map.
While waiting for temperatures to drop, you can consult our heat map to follow local temperatures and locate the cool places in your city. (Available for 80 cities worldwide)
