A powerful weather pattern known as an "omega block" is helping sustain the intense heatwave sweeping across Western Europe, where temperatures have soared above 40°C and dozens of heat-related deaths have been reported, according to a Reuters report.

Temperatures could hit 38-40C in parts of England and Wales, smashing June record set in 1976; red alerts in France after 19 heat deaths

Europe’s deadly heatwave is linked to an omega block weather pattern. Learn how it traps hot air and why climate change may worsen heat extremes.

A powerful weather pattern known as an "omega block" is helping sustain the intense heatwave sweeping across Western Europe, where temperatures have soared above 40°C and dozens…

Europe is warming at more than twice the global average

Europe's current heatwave is fuelled by a weather pattern known as an Omega block, which creates a heat dome.

Europe's current heatwave is fuelled by a weather pattern known as an Omega block.