Understanding Heat Domes: How They Act Like a Lid on a Pot and Impact Our Weather

Right now, a heat dome is causing extreme temperatures across much of the eastern U.S. This weather pattern can trap heat near the ground, leading to dangerously high temperatures. Forecasters warn that nearly 160 million people are affected by heat advisories stretching from the Midwest to the East Coast.

Take Boston, for example. It hit 100 degrees recently, while areas in Pennsylvania saw temperatures soaring above 95 degrees. The heat index, which combines temperature and humidity, pushed values over 100 degrees in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Central North Carolina is expected to feel heat indexes as high as 115 degrees.

But what exactly is a heat dome? According to Alex Lamers, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, it acts like a lid on a pot. “When a high-pressure system settles in, it traps warm air, causing temperatures to rise for days on end,” he explains. This setup is linked to the jet stream, and current conditions allow the heat dome to linger over a large land area.

Unfortunately, extreme heat is becoming more common. In the past few years, records have been shattered, with scientists pointing to climate change as a leading cause. The years 2023 and 2024 were noted as the hottest on record, highlighting a worrying trend.

Experts stress that heat can be particularly harmful to vulnerable populations, like children and the elderly. Advice from pediatrician Dr. Jess Weisz emphasizes staying hydrated, taking breaks, and wearing protective clothing whenever going outside.

This isn’t the first time the Midwest and Northeast have faced such severe heat. Last year, a similar heat dome created record-breaking temperatures in these areas. For many, this summer marks a repeated battle against oppressive heat, reminding us of how climate patterns are changing and influencing daily life.

The National Integrated Heat Health Information System reported that May 2025 was the second warmest May ever recorded globally. This serves as a stark reminder of the wider impact of climate change on our weather systems.

While weather may change soon with a predicted cold front, the lingering effects of this heat wave highlight the need for awareness and readiness for extreme temperatures.

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