US Heatwave: NOAA Warns of Prolonged 'Heat Dome' as Temperatures Soar
The United States is currently experiencing a prolonged heatwave, with record temperatures reported across several regions. This follows similar extreme heat events in India and Europe in recent weeks.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has stated that a persistent 'heat dome' is expected to affect a large part of the country over the Fourth of July weekend. High temperatures are forecast to be 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit above average, and numerous daily temperature records are likely to be broken.
While such heatwaves are not unprecedented, scientists note that the frequency and intensity of these events have increased in recent years. In 2023, a severe heatwave over the southwestern US and Mexico affected over 100 million people from mid-June to early August.
Experts attribute the current heatwave to a combination of natural weather patterns and long-term climate change. The heat dome—a high-pressure system that traps hot air—is a natural phenomenon, but its effects are amplified by rising global temperatures. Climate change, driven by human activities, has been identified as a key factor intensifying such events worldwide, including the recent European heatwave.
Authorities advise the public to take precautions, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Local governments have set up cooling centres in affected areas.
