A heat accumulation in the North Atlantic Ocean is forming—a warning sign for extreme heat in Europe. What lies behind this phenomenon?
Heat accumulation in the North Atlantic Ocean occurs when an unusually large amount of heat builds up in seawater. This excess doesn't form in days but accumulates over years, often due to changes in heat transport within ocean currents.
Normally, heat is transported from the tropics to the north, but when this process is disrupted, energy accumulates in certain sea areas. These deviations not only affect the Atlantic ecosystem but also impact European weather patterns.
Connection Between the Ocean and Land Heat
What seems like a purely oceanic process has significant consequences on land. The heat accumulating in the ocean influences the atmosphere above it—and thus large-scale weather patterns. If excessive heat builds up in the North Atlantic, it can promote the formation of stable high-pressure systems over Europe, blocking cooler and more humid air masses and leading to prolonged heatwaves.
According to researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology in Hamburg, current simulations indicate that such heat accumulation has been occurring again for several years. This doesn't mean every day will be unbearably hot, but the likelihood of heatwaves, droughts, and more tropical nights than average has significantly increased.
Historical Comparisons and Outlook
Looking back, a clear pattern emerges: many exceptionally hot summers in Europe were preceded by similar heat accumulation in the Atlantic Ocean. For example, the years 2003, 2010, and 2018 followed this pattern. Against the backdrop of climate change, these natural cycles are further intensified.
The prospect of another heatwave summer brings numerous challenges for agriculture, infrastructure, and public health. Early signals, like heat accumulation in the North Atlantic, allow for better preparation. But they also show that the climate is changing faster than previously thought.