Increased European heat waves in recent decades in response to shrinking Arctic sea ice and Eurasian snow cover

This study investigates the link between the increasing frequency of European heat waves and the reduction in Arctic sea ice concentration (ASIC) and Eurasian snow cover fraction (EASC). Observational analyses and numerical experiments demonstrate a close relationship between the interdecadal increase in European heat waves and the decline in ASIC and EASC. This reduction weakens the poleward temperature gradient, affecting the midlatitude jet stream and transient eddy activities, thereby increasing the likelihood of persistent European blocking events and consequently more frequent and intense heat waves. Climate model projections suggest a continuation of this trend in the coming century.

Ruonan Zhang, Chenghu Sun, Jieshun Zhu, Renhe Zhang, Weijing Li