Heat Domes Explained: Why They Form and How to Prepare

The climate on our planet has significantly changed in recent years with average temperatures increasing every year globally. With extremely high temperatures that linger over an area for extended periods of time come several health risks and other hazards.

One phenomenon that has particularly attracted the attention of the general public is the heat domes. As the name suggests, a heat dome is a curved area that covers hot air inside much like a lid or cap of a pot which leads to elevated temperatures in that particular region.

The CEO of B A Barry Group and the founder of Geohoney, Mr Basem Barry says

“Heat domes are a serious threat and there is a need to spread more awareness in the general public about this nuisance. This is the only way to protect our planet and the people in it.”

This blog explores heat domes in detail to help you understand their working and role in climate change. This information will also help you fight these heat domes better so keep on reading till the end.

• What are Heat Domes?
• What Causes the Formation of Heat Domes?
• How Does a Heat Dome Work?
• How Can You Prepare for Heat Domes?
• Tips for Being Safe During a Heat Dome

What are Heat Domes?

A heat dome is a sprawling area of extremely high pressure where extremely hot and dry conditions can linger for days at a time making it hard for humans and other animals to live inside.

You can imagine a heat dome as a colossal atmospheric oven where temperatures can rise to record levels. A heat dome prevents clouds formation which results in more sunshine and heat getting inside but very few leaving which raises temperatures even further.

When temperature increases, it leads to severe health risks as well as drought threats.

A heat dome functions like a pot with a lid. There is an area of extremely high pressure which acts like a lid of stable air keeping warm air trapped. This warm air moves to the surface which further heats it up under the compressive force from the pressure inside the dome.

What Causes the Formation of Heat Domes?

Before we look at the formation of heat domes, we need to familiarize ourselves with a term called the “Jet Stream”. It refers to a band of strong wind in the upper atmosphere which is caused by the rotation of the Earth as well as the momentum that air builds up as it shifts away from the equator.

Every jet stream flows along the boundary of hot and cold regions. This leads to the creation of polar and subtropical jet streams.

The formation of a high-pressure area in the jet stream due to high temperatures causes the air to descend towards the Earth’s surface due to compression. This creates a heat dome.

As air is forced to stay in a very small volume it heats up even further due to the collision of molecules. The layer of high-pressure thus formed blocks the hot air from rising which prevents cloud formation and facilitates more sunlight to enter the dome.

The heated air inside the heat dome becomes increasingly warmer since it has nowhere else to go which significantly raises temperatures.

Eventually, the ground below the dome warms up and dries out which further makes it prone to high temperatures. The conditions keep exacerbating until the dome disperses making it hard for people and animals to survive. 

A typical heat dome can last from days to weeks owing to the feedback cycle of rising temperatures.

How Can You Prepare for Heat Domes?

If you are living in regions that are at higher risk of suffering from heat domes then you need to take all the precautionary measures possible. Doing these simple but crucial things can help you fare better when facing the looming threats of a heat dome.

Here are a few things you can do to

• Make sure to learn as much as possible about the major heat illnesses, their causes, preventive measures, and treatments.
• Avoid using fans as your primary cooling solutions as they only create a false sense of comfort without reducing body temperatures.
• Identify places in your area that maintain a cool environment where you can spend more time during the heat dome. Places like libraries, shopping malls, etc. have systems in place to keep you cool during these times.
• Use drapes or shades to cover windows and employ weather strip doors and windows.
• Install window reflectors to keep heat outside.
• Install air conditioners and make sure the place is fully insulated.
• Use attic ventilators or fans to clear out hot air from this area.

Tips for Being Safe During a Heat Dome

Following are a few things you can do to handle heat stress caused by heat domes and reduce the impact of climate change

• Take a cool bath or shower regularly.
• Make sure to wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothes.
• Don’t leave babies or pets in the car on a warm day.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses when outside and try to stay in the shade.
• Increase your water and fluid intake during this period.
• Avoid engaging in physically draining or strenuous activities, especially during midday.
• Notice the signs of heat cramps, heat strokes, or heat exhaustion.
• Make sure to add water fruits and vegetables to your diet.
• Make sure to check up on vulnerable individuals like your elderly, children, and pets.

Conclusion

As the planet gets hotter owing to relentless human activities that lead to greater emissions the threats of heat domes and heat waves are only going to increase. It is extremely important therefore to take the steps both on individual as well as collective levels to prevent these domes from occurring frequently.

By reducing emissions, using energy-efficient appliances, and adopting an overall sustainable lifestyle, it is possible to prevent heat domes.

Geohoney is the leading honey brand based in Dubai with over 130 farms equipped with the latest new-tech monofloral initiatives. Our 100% pure, raw, and natural monofloral honey is carefully prepared using single nectar sources. Geohoney strives to produce monofloral honey that meets the highest global quality control standards while using environmentally sustainable resources.

Visit GEOHONEY today to buy the best pure monofloral honey to stay healthy and fit throughout the year.