What is causing the heat wave in the Pacific Northwest?

What is causing the heat wave in the Pacific Northwest?

The Pacific Northwest temperature spike was caused by what scientists call a “heat dome”, or a mass of high-pressure air parked over the region. Like a lid on a pot, the dome trapped hot air beneath it.

What is causing Seattle heat wave?

The heat wave was caused by what meteorologists described as a dome of high pressure over the Northwest and worsened by human-caused climate change, which is making such extreme weather events more likely and more intense.

What was the worst heatwave ever?

1913 – in July, the hottest heat wave ever struck California. During this heat wave, Death Valley recorded a record high temperature of 57 °C (134 °F) at Furnace Creek, which still remains the highest ambient air temperature recorded on Earth.

What caused the heat dome 2021?

A team of scientists funded by the NOAA MAPP Program investigated what triggers heat domes and found the main cause was a strong change (or gradient) in ocean temperatures from west to east in the tropical Pacific Ocean during the preceding winter.

Is 2021 a hot summer?

It’s coming! Summer temperatures are predicted above-normal for about two-thirds of the country, especially in the South and East. While typically the hottest weather can be expected in late July or early August, this year’s summer heat could peak in late August, into early September.

Will there be another record-breaking heat wave in southwest Canada?

Now, southwest Canada and much of the western United States are bracing for another bout of exceptional heat amid a pattern that could once again place records in jeopardy. Death Valley, Calif., might spike to 130 degrees.

How does the Pacific Ocean get so hot?

Eventually, more warm air—which is heated by the ocean’s surface—rises over the western Pacific and is moved east toward land by the jet stream, where it eventually sinks, leading to a heat wave.

How long will the heat last in the south?

The National Weather Service is warning about “excessive heat” this weekend, noting that “heat indices are likely to be over 110 degrees” in the South and Southwest. The heat will last multiple weeks and raises concern for heat-related illnesses.

How long is the heat wave expected to last?

The heat wave is expected to last for several weeks in some areas, according to CBS News, and more than 80\% of the country will see temperatures over 90 degrees within the next week. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.