The United States is experiencing an unprecedented heat wave these days., with millions of people on alert due to a phenomenon known as heat dome which is significantly raising temperatures and humidity levels in much of the country.
La combination of trapped warm air and moisture under a high-pressure system is causing temperatures that are not only uncomfortable, but can endanger the health of the most vulnerable groups.
What is a heat dome and how does it form?
La A heat dome occurs when a large area of high pressure acts as a cover in the atmosphere., so that the hot air is trapped and cannot disperse. This situation causes heat and humidity to accumulate during the day and makes cooling at night difficult, causing minimum temperatures to remain high as well.
According to experts from the National Weather Service and the Weather Prediction Center, This phenomenon is largely fueled by moisture-laden winds from the Gulf of Mexico.In addition, in the Midwest, crops also contribute to this "sauna effect," although to a lesser extent compared to the moisture coming from the south.
Most affected areas and expected temperatures
La The impact extends from the north-central and midwest to large areas of the northeast and the Atlantic coast.. Metropolis as New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Detroit are under threat of temperatures well above what is usual for this time of year., according to weather forecasts.
- In cities like Denver, highs close to 38 degrees Celsius.
- Chicago could exceed 36 ° CWhile Washington D.C. y Central Park in New York they will be around 37 °C and 36 °C, respectively.
- In the northeast corridor, where some of the most populated cities in the country are located, More than 220 million people will experience days with temperatures above 32°C., and another 30 million will face peaks of up to 38°C.
- The phenomenon is also affecting parts of southern Canada, especially Ontario, with temperatures expected to reach 32°C.
The magnitude and extent of the heat wave has led authorities to classify the heat risk in many states to highest alert level, especially in Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri and Illinois.
Why heat is so dangerous: the combination of temperature and humidity
The really worrying thing about this situation is that Not only does the temperature rise, but the air is extremely loaded with humidityThis mixture makes the thermal sensation can be up to 20 degrees higher than the actual temperature, according to reports from the National Weather Service and several experts.
The human body regulates its temperature through sweating. When the air is almost saturated with water vapor, Sweat evaporates with great difficulty and the ability to cool down is reducedThis increases the risk of Dehydration, heat stress, heat stroke, and other medical complications, especially in the elderly, minors, those who work outdoors and people with pre-existing illnesses.
Alerts, measures and recommendations regarding the heat dome
Given the seriousness of the episode, The National Weather Service and NOAA have issued extreme heat watches and warnings in the Southwest, Midwest, and Northeast. The public is urged to follow a series of basic recommendations to avoid incidents:
- Hydrate frequently, even without being thirsty.
- Avoid the direct exposure to the sun and seek out air-conditioned environments whenever possible.
- Wear light and light clothing, which facilitates perspiration.
- Pay special attention to children, the elderly, and the chronically ill.
- Avoid intense physical activities during the central hours of the day.
In many cities, they have been launched Cooling centers available for those without access to air conditioning in their homes, a measure that is already proving key to protecting the most vulnerable groups.
Outlook: How long will the heat dome last?
Weather models indicate that The high pressure system will persist over several regions for several days, although there is a possibility that, by the end of June, The movement of the system allows the arrival of cold fronts, cloudiness and rain that help to temporarily mitigate temperatures.
Although the hottest days of the year are usually recorded in July, The forecast indicates that this heat wave could continue in the coming weeks., being an episode that significantly affects daily life and public health throughout the region.
