Escalating Heat Dome Sparks Wildfires Across Europe
- Minseo Kim
- Jul 7
- 1 min read
Juy 7, 2025
Minseo Kim
An intense heat dome has settled over Europe, sparking widespread wildfires and forcing thousands to flee. From Greece’s Crete Island to parts of Turkey, Germany, and Spain, wildfires are spreading quickly, driven by dry terrain and relentless winds. In Crete alone, around 5,000 locals and tourists were urgently evacuated as fires approached homes and resorts.
The heat dome, caused by a high-pressure system trapping hot air near the surface, has pushed temperatures past 40°C in many regions. Some areas have seen up to 10°C above seasonal averages. Experts warn that climate change is accelerating these patterns, making summers hotter and fires more frequent.
Southeastern Europe, including Italy and the Balkans, has endured over a month of extreme heat, leaving forests vulnerable to ignition. As sea temperatures rise, warm air masses linger longer, intensifying the dome’s effect.
Emergency crews face mounting challenges, with helicopters struggling against fast-moving flames and blocked roads slowing evacuations. Scientists caution that such heat-related disasters may no longer be rare. Unless emissions are curbed, Europe’s summers could continue trending toward more destructive extremes, putting both people and ecosystems at greater risk.
