Europe - Temperatures in July
Climate
978-3-14-100890-6 | Page 52 | Ill. 2
Overview
In addition to the influence of the maritime climate conditions in Europe, the progressive decrease in radiant energy from north to south leads to a characteristic pattern of temperature distribution in the different latitudes. This pattern is particularly pronounced on the European continent in the summer months (July).
Oceanic air conditioning
Thanks to a largely positive radiation balance, the map of temperatures in July shows a north-south temperature gradient over much of the European continent. The comparatively cool masses of water in the Atlantic exert downward pressure on temperatures, causing the July isotherms over Western and North-western Europe to shift toward the South. While mean July temperatures reach 20 °C in Eastern Europe north of the 60th parallel, temperatures along the Atlantic coast are lower at the 50th parallel, due to the influence of relatively cool masses of air carried inland from the ocean by prevailing westerly winds.
Temperature gradient from North to South
As a result of stronger solar radiation and the scarcity of cloud cover, the highest temperatures are reached in the arid regions of the Subtropics. Mean temperatures in the interior areas of North Africa and Asia in July often exceed 30°C. The lowest July temperatures in Europe – 5 to 10 °C – are recorded in northern Scandinavia and Iceland. The higher elevations of mountainous regions also stand out islands of cooler air in both summer and winter.
