Results for: Heat Dome

An extreme heatwave has been scorching millions of people across Mexico, Central America, and parts of the United States, including Texas and Florida. The heat has been attributed to a weather phenomenon known as a heat dome, where a ridge of high pressure traps hot air over a region. The heat has led to energy grid strain, heatstroke, and even the deaths of Howler monkeys in Mexico. Experts have warned that the worst may be yet to come, as the heat dome is expected to linger and expand. The heatwave also poses risks of wildfires and droughts, especially in light of the low rainfall expected in the affected regions.

A study reveals that climate change significantly intensified the 2021 heat dome, leading to a 34% larger and 60% longer heat wave. The heat dome, in turn, was associated with up to a third of the area burned in North America that year. The findings highlight the growing influence of climate change on extreme weather events and their potential role in exacerbating wildfires.