Deadly ‘heat dome’ will engulf parts of California and Texas in scorching temperatures – as the rest of the nation braces for warm conditions

A weather phenomenon is moving into Texas and California on Tuesday, putting millions of Americans in the path of a scorching heat wave.

A heat dome, a phenomenon caused by hot air in a particular region being trapped by a high-pressure air system, killed dozens of people in Mexico last month and is expected to bring record temperatures to the southwestern US.

California could see temperatures 20 degrees Fahrenheit above average for at least a week, while parts of Texas near the border could reach 114 degrees.

The National Weather Service has warned that the rest of the country, from the Midwest to the Northeast, is also expected to see higher temperatures due to the southwestern heat dome.

In this latest heat dome, Texans are expected to experience temperatures as high as 114 degrees Fahrenheit.

Some models have predicted that the heat domes will only last through June 8, but others have suggested that they will remain over the country for the rest of the month. Axios reported.

A heat dome is created when warm air from the ocean becomes trapped under a high-pressure air system. This pushes the hot air to the surface and retains it.

This prevents cooler air from moving and pushing out clouds and rain, which increases the risk of wildfires.

It’s a bit like putting a lid on a hot pan and watching it cook faster.

This is what is expected to cause temperatures in California’s Central Valley to reach 110 degrees, which is 20 degrees higher than normal for June. reported the New York Times.

The NWS said there is a 40 to 60 percent chance of excessive heat through the tithe.

This region of the country produces 25 percent of America’s food, mainly fruits, nuts and grains, according to the newspaper Ministry of Internal Affairs.

For the approximately 146,400 farm workers manning these sweltering fields could be at risk from this heat wave.

An earlier study of Indoor climate news found that the deaths of 83 farm workers between 2018 and 2022 can be attributed to extreme heat and poor air conditions, which cause heart attacks, strokes or other cardiovascular diseases.

“Extreme heat is an invisible but dangerous consequence of climate change, and California, seniors and children are particularly vulnerable,” says California’s Environmental Protection Agency. divided into an X.

This could also interrupt production of ‘high value’ crops such as almonds, tomatoes, walnuts, stone fruit and wine grapes.

In Texas, the heat dome is expected to be concentrated over the southern and western parts of the state, near the border with Mexico.

Many regions around San Antonio are expected to be at “extreme risk” of heat-related impacts. a NWS categorization which warns people to stay hydrated and stay near air conditioning if possible.

Estimates put the heat index across the state in the coming days between 110 and 114 degrees – up to 10 degrees warmer than what is normally experienced in June.

The state broke the previous record of 108 degrees of heat set in 1998, reaching 115 degrees on Memorial Day.

These temperatures have caused severe thunderstorms across the state.

Officials in Texas have issued a “heat advisory” for Lasara, Cameron Park, Brownsville and other cities close to the border with Mexico.

The heat wave began in Mexico this month, killing more than 20 people and causing intense power outages.

Higher than normal temperatures are not only uncomfortable, but can also be fatal.

At least 11,000 Americans will die from heat waves in 2023.

These types of deaths occur because too much heat can cause your body to become overloaded — causing its internal temperature to fail to balance — putting strain on your heart and kidneys, according to the World Health Organisation.

This can cause heart attacks, strokes and kidney dysfunction. As a result, an estimated 1,220 Americans die each year from extreme heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control — although the total could be higher because it is difficult to report.

If you are young and healthy, you are unlikely to die from heat exposure.

Also, the elderly, infants and people with weakened immune systems can lower their risk of heat-related illness by hydrating, staying indoors and using fans or air conditioning.

Looking out over the rest of the country, experts predict we’re headed for another season of record-breaking events, Kristy Dahl, chief climate scientist for the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Climate and Energy Program told The Guardian.

“We can expect another dangerously hot summer season, with parts of Texas and Florida already breaking daily records,” Dahl said.

This time last year, temperatures in New York were around 60 degrees, while the city is experiencing highs of 70 degrees this week.

While Miami, Florida saw 84 degrees on June 4, 2023, the city is predicted to experience 86 degrees on June 4.