Anyone who’s been outside this summer has noticed the intense heat wave that has swept across the United States. Multiple cities in the Gem State alone have set record-high temperatures, with many asking the question: Why is it so hot this year?
Heat waves normally come in the summer anyway, but Timothy Axford, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service, says that ridges of high pressure in the center of the country have been the main culprit of the hot weather.
“We’ve had high pressure kind of moving back and forth into our area and sometimes it’ll go back into the northern plains and then it’ll slosh back west over our area again,” Axford said. “What that does is it keeps cooler, fresher air from moving in. It can’t move in as good.”
Axford further explains that these ridges have caused a heat dome to form. The high pressure causes sinking in the air, which takes away cloud coverage and leads to more sunshine. This year’s heat dome has been particularly interesting.
“Typically, when we see these ridges of high pressure that lead to this heat dome, we see it only over say 1/3 of the country,” Axford said. “What makes this one kind of special and unique is that it has taken shape for many weeks over much of the country, at least half of the country. We see it kind of ebb and tide a little bit, but for us, we’ve been in high pressure most of the summer.”
Temperatures 10-15 degrees above average have affected countless cities and states across the nation.
Here in Idaho, several cities have set heat records, including the following:
- Rexburg reached 101 degrees Fahrenheit this year, breaking the previous record of 99 degrees.
- Idaho Falls hit 103 degrees Fahrenheit on July 12, surpassing the previous record of 102 degrees back in 1988.
- Pocatello saw a 102-degree day this summer, which fell two degrees short of the 104-degree all-time record.
Axford says a day or two of intense heat won’t do too much, but when it lasts for weeks and months, the effects start to show.
“That really starts to put a stress on things like infrastructure, roadways, electric grids, things like that,” Axford said. “There are more air conditioners being used in areas where air conditioners aren’t used as much. People can’t cool down as easily, especially at night. This compounding effect can wreak havoc on people’s health. Certain parts of the country have difficulty with planes taking off and landing sometimes when it gets too hot because of the density of the air.”
With the heat wave showing no signs of stopping for now, Axford lists several ways people can stay safe.
“We always tell people to stay hydrated,” Axford said. “Taking those moments in the afternoon and early evening to go inside to seek shelter and shade when you can. Our shade here is a lot different than other parts of the country because it actually feels cooler. We don’t have that humidity. And then checking on neighbors. Being a good neighbor, being a good family member. Checking on neighbors and calling loved ones to see how they’re dealing with the heat.”