The current climate is dominated by an increasingly intense heat that seems to have no end. TO African anticyclone of extraordinary proportions it is affecting many of our regions and it does not look like it is going to leave us any time soon. The medium-term weather forecast has already been established and confirmed by all models. Everyone agrees that this persistent heat will last for many days.
What is an isotherm?
First, it is important to understand what is an isotherm. In the vertical atmosphere, it is a more or less large area that has the same temperature. Usually, in meteorological maps the isotherm is considered at an altitude of 1,500 meters, although there are some at different altitudes. This is because, in this way, the possible friction of the earth’s surface or orographic obstacles are not taken into account.
It is true that the Alps and Apennines have much higher peaks, but it is also true that most of Italy’s geography lies below that altitude. This gives us a very precise indication of what will be the thermal level that we will have to face.
an extraordinary heat
The isotherms, dear readers, are really worrying. The +30 to 1500 meters has already reached the skies of Sardinia, which means that it is 30 degrees at 1500 meters. And at ground level? It depends. Of course, there are local variations. But in general, we have to add about 12 or 15 degrees.
That’s why our models fairly accurately predict temperatures of 42 or 45 degrees in some places. These values can be totally realistic. That is why it is important to understand what are the isotherms at high altitudes to estimate ground temperatures.
Let us not forget either that, with these torrid values in mountainous heights, there is not even the possibility of a night cooling. In other words: you will be warm even at night. And not only in cities, but also in rural areas.
When is it cold again?
In order to breathe more pleasant air again, we will have to wait at least third decade of july. In short, another 7-9 days depending on the region of reference. Probable thermal decrease from the north after July 18, in the center-south after July 20. But everything will be confirmed in the next few days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the climate of the second decade of July is characterized by extreme and persistent heat, caused by an African anticyclone of extraordinary dimensions. The isotherms, which indicate temperatures at different altitudes, are worrisome, with values reaching 28-30 degrees at 1,500 meters. This means that ground temperatures could reach 42-45 degrees in the interior sectors of the main islands for the next few days. Similar values also in Puglia, Calabria, Basilicata.
