Over 34 million Americans are preparing for severe heat this week as a “heat dome” takes hold over the western United States. But what exactly is a heat dome? Here’s all you need to know.
What is a heat dome?
To grasp what a heat dome entails, imagine a massive dome covering an area and trapping hot air inside. This leads to the creation of heat waves, making it feel significantly hotter than usual. Simply put, it is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when a very high-pressure system traps air in a specific region. This ultimately causes extremely high temperatures over an extended period of time.
The hottest day, according to forecasts, is Thursday (June 6)
The confined heat can result in discomfort, health issues, and even hazardous conditions, affecting not just humans but also animals and plants.
According to BBC, residents in California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona have been warned and advised to prepare for temperatures exceeding nearly 40 °C (104 °F) by Friday (7th June). The heat is also expected to affect the Pacific Northwest later in the week.
Predictions indicate temperatures may peak at 42.2 °C (107.96 °F) in a wide area from Sacramento to Bakersfield in California. Reportedly, Sacramento already surpassed 38 °C (100.4 °F) this Tuesday (June 4), a level it didn’t reach until late June last year. Some locations in south Texas experienced scorching temperatures of 47.2 °C (116.96 °F) on Tuesday. The hottest day, according to forecasts, is Thursday (June 6), with temperatures expected to be 5.5-11 °C (10-20 °F) above average for the rest of the week. Temperature records might be broken in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, and Fresno.
Heat dome conditions contributed to a dozen deaths last year in the American Southwest. As reported by the US Border Patrol in Texas, four migrants attempting to enter the US died over the weekend from heat-related illnesses. Forecasters have urged people to drink more fluids, stay in air-conditioned places, and wear loose clothing. The risk was highlighted by the National Weather Service in Phoenix, which issued a stark warning: “Heat stroke can be DEADLY,” it said in a social media message Tuesday. The California Environmental Protection Agency has identified outdoor workers, elderly people, and children as the most at risk during extreme heat conditions, describing it as “an invisible but dangerous consequence of climate change.”