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By Joe Edwards
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Several southern states should brace for extreme temperatures of up to 111 degrees Fahrenheit as experts warn of a heat dome approaching the U.S. from Mexico.
Cities in Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Nevada and Texas will be on alert as the heatwave, which has moved across neighboring Mexico since March, has resulted in 48 deaths, according to the Mexican government.
Among the cities expected to be affected are Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Henderson, Houston, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Mesa, Miami, New Orleans, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Tampa, and Tucson.
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The new warnings come as Texas recently sweltered under heatwaves earlier in May that some experts warned could melt asphalt roads.
The Lone Star State hit an all-time high of 115 degrees over Memorial Day weekend, surpassing records for May.
What Are Heat Domes?
A heat dome is a weather phenomenon characterized by extreme heat when the atmosphere traps hot ocean air, acting like a lid or cap. This occurs due to strong high-pressure atmospheric conditions remaining stationary over an area for an extended period, preventing convection and precipitation and trapping hot air within the region.
Heat domes form when the Earth's atmosphere traps heat over an area. These events typically occur during periods of still and dry summer conditions.
High-pressure systems compress and heat the air, intensifying temperatures as the trapped air is repeatedly heated by the sun. As the warm air attempts to rise, it is forced back down by the high-pressure system, creating a cycle of escalating heat.
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Professor of Geosciences at Princeton University, Gabriel A. Vecchi, told Time: "Basically we just get the sun pouring down sunshine unimpeded, baking the ground, and no real cloud cover or moisture to stave off our temperatures."
The phenomenon can be exacerbated by sea surface temperature anomalies and the influence of La Niña, a weather pattern characterized by cooler-than-normal water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean.
Heat domes significantly impact local weather and climate, leading to severe heatwaves, droughts, and air quality issues. The stagnant atmospheric conditions associated with heat domes can increase smog and pollution levels, contributing to poor air quality and exacerbating respiratory issues.
Additionally, the intense heat can accelerate evaporation rates, reducing soil moisture and worsening drought conditions.
One of the most notable heat dome events occurred in 2021 in the Pacific Northwest, covering parts of Canada and the United States.
The extreme temperatures led to widespread wildfires, crop failures, and increased mortality rates. The heat dome was responsible for numerous heat-related deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations without access to air conditioning.
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