An exceptional heat wave has been ravaging the state of Texas in the United States for several days now. Temperatures rise above 40 °C. Although the perceived temperature is a lot higher due to the high humidity. The heat index gives 50 °C. Several records in the southern US state have already been broken. The government therefore advises people to avoid outdoor activities. But where do those heat records suddenly come from? And how dangerous is this situation?
Where is the heat suddenly coming from?
It is an unusual heat dome responsible for the prolonged and extreme heat wave in the state of Texas. That is a vast area of high air pressure into which the air sinks. This downward movement causes the air to heat up even more, after which it remains trapped in the heat dome.
At the beginning of this month, another unusual heat dome already caused an intense heat wave in the Caribbean. And the fire season also started early in Canada due to a heat dome. Plumes of smoke from these fires have even reached the United States and Europe.
Read more below the image.
How exceptional is such a heat dome?
Heat domes are common in the summer in the US, but not over Texas. Usually they are located above the Plains. However, a deviation in the jet stream allowed a heat dome to form further south. The jet stream makes a large loop above Texas, bringing warm moist air from the south to the state. This has created a heat dome with temperatures 10 to 20 °C higher than normal for the time of year.
In several cities, one heat record after another was broken in recent days. However, the highest maximum temperature ever recorded in the state was not matched. In 1994 and 1936 the mercury rose to 48.8 °C. Although Rio Grande Village came very close with 47.8 °C.
Jeff Berardelli
@WeatherProf
How dangerous is this situation?
Such high temperatures are dangerous in themselves, but what makes the situation even more serious is the high humidity. Higher humidity makes it hotter, as it hinders sweating and makes cooling down more difficult. That is why we also look at the so-called ‘heat index’, which takes temperature and humidity into account. In recent days, the heat index in Texas has reached more than 50 °C in several places. That means there is a serious risk of heat stress. Outdoor activity is best avoided because of the medical risks. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly are particularly at risk.
How long will the heat wave last?
For now, there doesn’t seem to be any improvement in sight. The center of gravity of the high temperatures will probably focus more on the south and west of Texas in the coming days. According to the National Weather Service, the heat is expected to continue into late next week and become more intense. They therefore call on everyone to keep it safe.
NWS Weather Prediction Center
@NWSWPC
Why do we often see these exceptional heat domes?
Many climatologists are perplexed by the unusual weather situation in Texas. Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli emphasizes on Twitter how unusual this heat dome is: “The heat wave we are now experiencing in Texas is remarkable. In a normal ‘historical’ climate, the values that we now see during the heat dome are in principle impossible. But climate change seems to make it impossible possible.”
Extreme heat in Texas is expected to become more frequent and severe, with the number of days with temperatures reaching 40°C almost doubling by 2036 compared to the period between 2001 and 2020.
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