US Experiences Severe Heat Wave Caused by Heat Dome Formation

Heatwave Expected to Hit US Ahead of Fourth of July Celebrations and World Cup Matches

A severe heatwave is forecasted to affect much of the central and eastern United States this week, with temperatures expected to reach record highs. A “heat dome” is expected to settle over the region, bringing days of extremely hot temperatures and humidity ahead of the Fourth of July weekend and FIFA World Cup matches in several US cities.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), dozens of temperature records could be broken, with some areas experiencing temperatures as high as 46 degrees Celsius. Over 60 million people are currently under heat alerts.

A heat dome is a large area of high pressure that forms when warm air flows northward, trapping hot air close to the ground and compressing it further. This phenomenon creates a heat feedback loop, where the sun has direct access to the ground, leading to prolonged heatwaves.

The heat dome is expected to strengthen over the coming days, spreading from the central US towards the east coast, with dangerous heat lasting several days into early July. The hottest conditions are expected on Thursday and Friday, with temperatures continuing through the Fourth of July weekend.

Many areas across the Great Plains, southeast, and mid-Atlantic are likely to remain unusually hot into next weekend, with daytime temperatures in the high 30s Celsius. However, humidity will make it feel much hotter, with some areas experiencing a heat index of up to 46 degrees Celsius.

The NWS has warned that this heatwave could impact everyone, regardless of age or activity level. Temperatures are expected to stay in the 20s Celsius overnight, creating potentially miserable sleep conditions for those without air conditioning.

Several US cities, including New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit, and St Louis, are expected to be affected by the heatwave, with temperatures also soaring farther south in Dallas, Little Rock, and Memphis. Some of these cities are hosting FIFA World Cup events, prompting organisers to adjust schedules and emergency measures to mitigate the impact of the heatwave.

Cities across the US are rolling out emergency measures as temperatures climb, including opening cooling centres and sending city workers to check on vulnerable residents.

Source: Al Jazeera