The most important stories for you to know today
Much of the Western U.S. is experiencing extreme heat this week — with temperatures easily topping 100. Blame a condition known as a heat dome. But what is it?
“If you've made grilled cheese in a pan and you put a lid on there, it melts the cheese faster because the lid helps trap the heat and makes it a little bit warmer,” Lamers says. “It's a similar concept here: You get a big high-pressure system in the upper parts of the atmosphere and it allows that heat to build underneath over multiple days.”
The jet stream normally spreads big storms — but right now, it’s too far north to bring moisture and potential relief to the Southwest. But it’s hard to predict how long a heat dome will persist, because they’re linked to the behavior of the jet stream. “We have more frequent heat waves now here in the U.S. and worldwide,” Russell says. “They are more frequent and they last longer.”“Heat is actually the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States,” Lamers says, putting it above attention-grabbing events like tornadoes and hurricanes.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
A heat dome is covering regions of the US, triggering excessive heat warningsChloe Nordquist is a national journalist for the E.W. Scripps Company. She has a passion for telling community stories and giving a voice to the voiceless. Chloe has had the opportunity to report across the world, as far as Milan and Berlin. Previously she worked at news stations in California’s Central Valley and Southwest Florida.
Read more »
Expanding heat dome brings 1st heat wave of the season to Bay AreaA heat dome parked over the western United States was set to sizzle the Bay Area beginning Tuesday with near triple-digit temperatures inland and 80s on the coast.
Read more »
'Heat dome' brings California's first heat wave of the season, with triple-digit temperaturesAn early-season heat wave will broil much of inland California this week, with highs set to top 100 from the Antelope Valley to the Sacramento Valley.
Read more »
Heat stroke vs. heat exhaustion: Here are tips to stay safe in a heat waveHere are tips to stay safe from the heat.
Read more »
Heat stroke vs. heat exhaustion: Here are tips to stay safe in a heat waveHere are tips to stay safe from the heat.
Read more »
Heat stroke vs. heat exhaustion: Here are tips to stay safe in a heat waveHere are tips to stay safe from the heat.
Read more »