Context:
Large parts of the United States are experiencing an intense heatwave driven by a persistent heat dome, with temperatures significantly above normal. Scientists note that while heat domes are natural weather phenomena, climate change is making such heatwaves more frequent, intense and longer-lasting.
Explanation:
- A heat dome is a weather phenomenon in which a strong high-pressure system traps hot air near the Earth’s surface for several days or weeks.
- The high-pressure system suppresses convection, cloud formation and rainfall, allowing continuous solar heating of the land surface.
- Weak winds and stagnant air under the heat dome increase temperature and humidity, reducing nighttime cooling and increasing heat stress.
- Jet streams normally move weather systems west to east; when they become blocked, persistent patterns such as Omega Blocks can form, sustaining heat domes.
- An Omega Block is a large-scale atmospheric blocking pattern in which a strong high-pressure system becomes trapped between two low-pressure systems, causing the weather to remain unchanged for several days or even weeks.
- Climate change, driven by increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations, raises baseline temperatures, making heat domes hotter and more prolonged.
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects more frequent, intense and longer-lasting heatwaves under global warming.
- Heatwaves increase the risk of heatstroke, drought, wildfires, crop losses, higher electricity demand and stress on water resources.
- Adaptation measures include Heat Action Plans, early warning systems, urban greening, cool roofs, improved water management and reducing GHG emissions.
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