The phenomenon of "hot domes" may be the main cause of extreme high temperatures, and multiple states in the United States continue to issue high temperature warnings
In recent times, many parts of the northern hemisphere have been shrouded in extreme high temperatures. Several states in the southern and western United States continue to issue high temperature warnings, and the number of deaths from extreme high temperatures is also increasing.
Local resident Richard: I don't know what's going on, the weather is getting hotter and hotter.
The high temperatures in Texas have been ongoing for over two weeks. Recently, a video of a courier almost feeling exhausted due to high temperatures while delivering goods has attracted attention from American media. Texas emergency responders have reported that they received more than twice the number of reports related to high temperatures in June this year compared to August and September last year combined.
Texas emergency worker Justin Reed: High temperatures can affect everyone. In just June, our fire department responded to over 40 alarms of high temperature induced diseases.
According to reports, extreme high temperatures in the entire southern region may continue until early July. Next, a heatwave will sweep across the western United States. Parts of New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, and Oregon have all issued high temperature warnings, with temperatures in many areas expected to soar to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit this weekend and early next week. Temperatures in some desert areas of Arizona and California are expected to approach 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
US National Weather Service meteorologist Jacob Zellinger: This is the earliest time we issued a high temperature warning, and the most severe high temperature warning we issued before July. This is quite unusual. We usually only see such high temperatures in July and August.
What is a "hot dome"?
American meteorological experts believe that the recent extreme heat weather experienced by the United States is mainly caused by the "hot dome" phenomenon, and it is expected that the heat wave will continue for some time. So, what is a "hot dome"?
A "hot dome" refers to a stable atmospheric circulation between the high pressure and nearby low pressure in the upper atmosphere that remains stationary for a period of time. The high pressure, like a cover, covers the area where heat waves occur while preventing cold air from entering. The lower air near the ground is heated by the ground and rises in the "hot dome", but due to the high pressure in the upper layer, it is pushed back to the ground by the high pressure. In this way, the temperature inside the "hot dome" is getting higher and higher, causing heat waves or super heat wave events.
High temperatures, less rain, air pollution, and other phenomena may occur inside the hot dome.
ABC host: All of these phenomena add up to form a dome that will gather all the heat in the place where we live. These calories have nowhere to go, and there is no strong wind blowing them away.
"Hot dome" is a natural phenomenon that humans can hardly intervene to alleviate and can only wait for it to slowly disappear. In the past few decades, the frequency of "hot domes" has been increasing.
Climate change expert Susan Hassel: A "hot dome" is a high-pressure area that is covered by a high-pressure system, causing the water inside the "hot dome" to evaporate and the temperature to continuously rise. There will be no rainfall or cloud cover, so the situation will get worse and worse.
