What is a Heat Dome

Summer has arrived, bringing with it a heat dome stretching from the Midwest to the northeastern portion of the United States. Record high temperatures and blistering heat are on tap. The Midwest and East Coast are experiencing a wave of extreme heat, with temperatures forecasted to reach close to 100°F (38°C) in many cities. 

Definition of a Heat Dome 

Outrider states that a heat dome, “occurs when a persistent region of high-pressure traps heat over an area. The heat dome can stretch over several states and linger for days to weeks, leaving the people, crops, and animals below to suffer through stagnant, hot air that can feel like an oven.” Usually, heat domes are connected to the jet stream's behavior. The jet stream is a band of fast winds high in the atmosphere that typically flows from west to east. 

Is a Heat Dome Dangerous?  

When a heat dome occurs, it can have serious effects on people due to the stagnant weather patterns that accompany it. These patterns often lead to weak winds and increased humidity, making the heat feel more intense and posing greater dangers as the human body is not as effectively cooled by sweating. To convey this danger, the heat index, which combines heat and humidity, is commonly used to indicate what the temperature will feel like to most people. 

When will the Heat Dome end?  

The short answer is no one is sure. Heat domes can linger for a longer period, sometimes extending for more than a couple of weeks. USA Today has released a "Real Feel" heat index map to visualize the upcoming temperatures over the coming days and weeks. 

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