Heatwave Caused by Atmospheric Pressure Anomaly, According to Scientists
A heat dome is a weather phenomenon that occurs when hot weather stalls over an area for extended periods, causing periods of unusually hot weather known as heat waves. This meteorological event, which can be particularly severe in regions not typically exposed to extreme temperatures, is becoming more common as the Earth's climate changes.
Heat domes form when warm air at Earth's surface gets trapped and cannot rise. High-pressure air can prevent surface air from rising and cooling, causing it to heat up and form a heat dome. In the atmosphere, warm air typically rises and cool air sinks, but a heat dome prevents this natural cycle. As a result, the region becomes drier as a heat dome blocks other weather from entering, including clouds and rain.
The dry conditions created by heat domes can contribute to the severity of wildfires. Warm air in a heat dome isn't just blocked from rising; it often cannot move out of the region either. This prolonged heat and dryness can exacerbate the risks associated with wildfires due to the increased fuel availability and reduced humidity.
As the region becomes drier, temperatures soar higher due to the heat dome. In cool and mild regions, the lack of proper cooling infrastructure can make the effects of heat domes more severe. Extreme temperatures during heat domes may be especially dangerous to people living in regions not equipped with air conditioners or other cooling tools.
The discovery of a method to predict heat domes was made by climate scientists studying atmospheric patterns, though no specific individual is credited exclusively. In North America, weather tends to move from west to east, but changes in the jet stream can block this motion, potentially contributing to the formation of a heat dome.
Heat domes can pose unique challenges in regions not typically exposed to extreme temperatures. As the Earth's climate changes, these events are becoming more common, and understanding their causes and consequences is crucial for preparing and responding effectively.
