(NewsNation) — Europe’s summer season is set to get longer, according to a new study.

Research published in the journal “Nature Communications” on Nov. 19 suggests climate change could lead to 42 more days of summer on the world’s second-smallest continent.

According to the study, it is set to be caused by a weakening latitudinal temperature gradient: the temperature differences between the North Pole and the equator, which ultimately leads to increased heat waves.

Researchers analyzed layers of mud at the bottom of European lakes. These sediments, according to a release on the study, “record how summers and winters have shifted over the past 10,000 years.”

“We have known for many years that summers are getting longer and hotter across Europe, but there is a high uncertainty about how or why,” Dr Celia Martin-Puertas, lead researcher, said in the release.

“Our research has uncovered that European seasons have been driven by the temperature gradient over thousands of years, which provides useful insight that can be used to help predict future changes more accurately,” Martin-Puertas continued.

“The findings underscore how deeply connected Europe’s weather is to global climate dynamics and how understanding the past can help us navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing planet.”