Eastern U.S. Experiences Scorching Heat Wave Due to Atmospheric Phenomenon Known as "Heat Dome" in June.
Sizzling Nation Under Intense Heatwave:
It's a scorching summer for millions of Americans as a heatwave takes over the nation. A "heat dome" has taken residence over central and eastern regions, fueling potential temperatures exceeding triple digits and unbearable humidity, transforming half the country into a blazing, sauna-like environment.
The Midwest and eastern USA will take the hardest hit, with "extreme risk" temperatures predicted across various states on Tuesday, June 24, and Wednesday, June 25, according to the National Weather Service. This includes heavily populated cities such as Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York, where temperatures are anticipated to peak dangerously. Western urban areas in the Midwest and Upper Appalachian regions—including Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis—will also feel the heat, with temperatures soaring above seasonal expectations.
The escalating temperatures should begin to diminish later in the week, but they'll remain elevated. In the south, temperatures aren't expected to reach the same heights, yet persistently uncomfortable conditions might persist beyond midweek, intensified by overpowering humidity.
Temperatures surpassing 100°F (37.7°C) are projected to occur across multiple states on Tuesday and threaten to break decades-old records, according to AccuWeather.
Since the weekend, more than 53 million people in the US have been under heat alerts, but this number is set to escalate as the week progresses. AccuWeather anticipates that up to 170 million Americans may experience extremely high temperatures during the last week of June.
The heat won't provide much relief once the sun sets. Nighttime temperatures may remain above 80°F (26.7°C), particularly in some urban areas.
Let's Talk Heat Domes:
The extraordinary temperatures are being amplified by a weather anomaly known as a heat dome. Much like the heatwave of June 2021, this phenomenon arises from a high-pressure system that settles in one location for an extended stretch, trapping hot air and blocking cool marine air from entering—similar to a bubbling pot with a lid on[1][2]. The high pressure also forces warm air towards the ground and further compresses it, making the environment feel like an oven, with no escape for the heat.
Climate change is likely to aggravate these harsh weather conditions. Research indicates that heatwaves of this magnitude are becoming more intense, prolonged, widespread, and frequent due to human-induced global warming[1].
Stay cool and keep healthy during heatwaves by following the advice found at https://www.ready.gov/heat. Stay hydrated!
On Heat Domes:
A heat dome is created when a vast region of high pressure in the upper atmosphere acts like a lid or container, enclosing heat and humidity for an extended duration[3][4]. This stationary high-pressure system causes the trapped hot air to become extremely stagnant, explaining the prolonged periods of soaring temperatures resulting from heat domes. When the system remains stationary, temperature increases, posing significant health risks for affected communities[3].
The Urban Heat Island Effect exacerbates heatwave intensity in urban areas, as concrete and buildings absorb and retain heat, hindering the usual nighttime cooling and making the heatwave feel even more oppressive[3].
In essence, heat domes intensify heatwaves by resulting in a persistent, stagnant high-pressure system that traps heat and humidity, leading to extended periods of excessively high temperatures and substantial health hazards for the population [1][2][3][4].
Science reveals that heatwaves, such as the current one sweeping across the United States, are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, according to research. This increase in heatwave occurrences can be attributed to human-induced global warming.
In the context of this heatwave, a heat dome - a weather anomaly causing hot air to become trapped and extremely stagnant - has taken residence over central and eastern regions, fueling potential temperatures exceeding triple digits and unbearable humidity. This heat dome exacerbates the health risks associated with heatwaves, especially in urban areas where the Urban Heat Island Effect hinders nighttime cooling.
Health officials advise staying cool and hydrated during heatwaves, and individuals are encouraged to follow safety guidelines to maintain their wellbeing in the face of extreme heat conditions.
