Living under hot heat domes

When a heat wave becomes a heat dome

Earlier Las Vegas 100° weather for 2024

It's no secret that the heat in Las Vegas has been brutal lately, even hitting us earlier this year. Think up to 110° F. The other day, catching up with a friend in Los Angeles, I asked him how he could possibly be strolling and cycling around Hollywood in this weather. His nonchalant response was a jaw-dropping revelation: it had been over 20 degrees Celsius cooler there! This stark contrast between our climates got me thinking about heat domes, a weather phenomenon that's been making headlines...

Ever felt like your city was trapped under a giant, invisible bowl while the sun turned up the heat? That's not just your imagination – that's a heat dome. And it's a weather phenomenon that's turning up more than just the thermostat.

What is a heat dome?

Imagine a massive high-pressure system, like a stubborn lid on a pot, trapping warm air beneath it. This isn't your everyday summer warmth. It's an intense, relentless heat that sticks around even when the sun goes down.

The heat dome's sumo wrestling match

Why is a heat dome so persistent? It's a standoff between two atmospheric forces. High pressure pushes down from above while rising hot air pushes back from below.

Unfortunately, the heat dome usually wins this battle. As the ground releases heat, it gets pushed back down instead of escaping into space. This creates a feedback loop, where the longer the heat dome stays, the hotter it gets. Imagine putting a lid on a pot of boiling water – the temperature just keeps rising.

Heat domes and climate change

While heat domes aren't new, they're becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. The warmer the planet gets, the more fuel these heat domes have to burn. This means longer, hotter, and more dangerous heat waves.

Living under the dome

If you're living under a heat dome, take precautions:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Stay cool: Spend time in air-conditioned spaces, take cool showers or baths, and wear lightweight clothing.
• Check on others: Look out for vulnerable people, like the elderly and those with health conditions.
• Avoid strenuous activity: Especially during the hottest parts of the day.

The future of heat domes

Heat domes are a stark reminder of the impact of climate change. As the planet continues to warm, these extreme weather events will likely become more common. This means we need to adapt to living under the dome, while also working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.

So, next time it feels unseasonably warm, look up and wonder if you're living under the dome.