In brief
Meteorologists report that a significant heat dome affecting the Southwest United States is expanding eastward, breaking temperature records across multiple states. Expected to last until the following week, this event is described as potentially one of the most extensive heat waves ever recorded in the U.S. The phenomenon is exacerbated by ongoing climate change, which has increased temperatures significantly. Despite the harsh conditions, the current heat wave is less humid than typical summer temperatures.
The enormous heat dome that has led to record-shattering temperatures across 14 states is on the move, with forecasts predicting that it may soon hit central and eastern regions of the United States. As spring kicks off, meteorologists are raising alarms over what is being dubbed one of the most significant heat waves in the country's history.
According to the National Weather Service's Gregg Gallina, the entire U.S. could expect record-setting heat as a result of this atmospheric phenomenon. For cities like Flagstaff, Arizona, residents have already experienced relentless high temperatures for over a week, surpassing previous March records.
Gallina expects that starting Wednesday, areas in the southern and central plains could reach temperatures in the 90s Fahrenheit (mid-30s Celsius), while up to a third of the continental U.S. could flirt with March record highs.
This heating trend has sparked comparisons to previous extreme heat events like the Dust Bowl of 1936, though this incident could cover a broader area, albeit less intense than summer heat waves. Climate historians emphasize that while the current situation is alarming, the lack of humidity mitigates some of the impacts typically seen in hotter months.
The severity of this current heat dome raises critical questions regarding the influence of climate change, with experts from World Weather Attribution asserting that the extreme temperatures experienced are virtually impossible without its effects. They have attributed increasing temperatures of 4.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 degrees Celsius) to climate change due to fossil fuel burning.
As the heat dome shifts, meteorologists advise understanding the risks associated with climate change-related weather extremes and prepare for another week of heat before the dome dissipates.
