A large area of high pressure, often referred to as "heat dome," formed over the Arctic ocean next week and will accelerate the melting of sea ice, reported RIA Novosti meteorologist at the Finnish Institute of meteorology Mika Rantanen.
"Forecast of the European centre for medium-range forecasts (ECMWF) shows that a large area of high pressure appears over the Arctic ocean next week. Blocking highs, or "heat island", characterized by a warm air mass and clear skies that accelerates the melting of sea ice", – said Rantanen.
As explained by the meteorologist, the emergence of "heat island" with high probability contributed to the high pressure region, which is observed over Siberia.
"Stationary anticyclone formed over the Arctic, and it will provoke rapid melting of the ice cover. This is really so because within the Arctic circle the sun never sets, and there is an intense amount of solar rays that contribute to the melting of ice. Extensive melting of multi-year ice is a consequence of global climate change, which occurs in high latitudes. This phenomenon has been observed not for the first year" – confirmed to RIA Novosti insights colleagues, the scientific Director of the hydrometeorological center Roman Vilfand.
