Heat dome

Heat domes happen when strong high pressure atmospheric conditions remain stationary for an unusual amount of time, preventing convection and precipitation and keeping hot air "trapped" within a region.

[5] Heat domes are typically associated with minimal cloud cover and clear skies, which allow the unhindered penetration of solar radiation to the Earth's surface, intensifying the overall temperature.

[6] The high-atmospheric pressure area acts like a lid on the atmosphere and causes warm air to be pushed to the surface and holding it there over extended durations.

[8][9] The 2021 Northwest heat dome was formed in this way, as a stagnant high-pressure system intensified local temperatures, blocked cooling maritime breezes, and hindered cloud formation.

[17] In areas such as California's Central Valley, heat domes exacerbate drought conditions by increasing the rate of evaporation amongst crops and native vegetation.

This was particularly demonstrated among British Columbians, who in previous studies displayed higher levels of climate change anxiety[21] following the 2021 North American Heat Dome.

[22] The 2021 Western North America heat dome garnered its attention for its unprecedented intensity and duration in recent years which led to significant societal influences such as widespread power outages and increased wildfire activities.

The far-reaching consequences affected by economic and social factors of this event reverberated globally, impacting the interconnectedness of regional weather phenomena and agricultural markets.

Public agencies provide support to vulnerable populations, reducing adverse heat-related impacts through the following methods: heat health warning systems,[32] data monitoring, cooling centers,[33] water management,[34] and climate change suppression,[35] among other efforts.