Huge heat dome set to 'trap' millions of Americans in dangerous temperatures in coming week
Americans are going to need more than just their sunscreen to combat an upcoming heatwave, with scientists warning that millions could soon be trapped under a massive dome of heat.
We've seen the White House previously mock the idea of climate change as it 'roasted' Earth Day, although the World Meteorological Organization recently issued warnings about El Niño being set to trigger 'extreme weather events'.
Worse than this, 2026's storm is tipped to become a Super El Niño and the deadliest on record, with Northern US states told to expect a warmer winter than usual.
While that might be good news for those who don't enjoy a cold snap, we've already seen Oregon and Washington battle wildfires that have been sparked by lightning strikes and record-breaking August temperatures.
Americans told to brace for heat dome heatwave
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According to the National Weather Service (via The Guardian), things are only set to get worse as we reach the end of August and head into September.
A heat dome is due to settle across south-western states, with temperatures soaring to between 110°F and 115°F as wildfires continue to rage.
The NWS reiterated that this late-summer heat is a potential health hazard as it added: "A strong upper-level ridge will remain anchored across the south-west into south-central US into late week,” the NWS shared in its short-range forecast discussion."
We're told to brace for 'an abnormal hazardous heat', with daytime temperatures peaking at around 110°F on the Southern Plains and 115°F in the southwest. The NWS concluded that there will be 'limited relief' from overnight temperatures.
Importantly, it’s said that "heat-related illness may increase, especially for those without proper hydration and adequate cooling."
A heat dome is caused when high pressure traps hot air over a region, blocking cool air from moving in and causing temperatures on the ground to skyrocket.
Branding these temperatures as Extreme HeatRisk, the NWS tells us to limit outdoor activities, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and ensure we remain hydrated.
Record temperatures expected across US states
In particular, keep an eye on those who might be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, particularly children and the elderly.
The Washington Post claims that Dallas just recorded its hottest overall day on record with an average of 97.5°F and a blistering high of 109°F.
Through the end of August, some 98 million people across the USA are poised to be struck by 'heat-related' impacts.
Other cities set to be battered by the heat dome include Los Angeles, which has already confirmed it will offer cooling centers to offer relief. Oklahoma City is also facing the brunt of the heat dome, although moving climates are also said to hit New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern California as record temperatures are due to roll in.
Death Valley doesn't look like it'll hit its 1913 high of 134°F in Furnace Creek, but with a toasty 122°F expected, it's not exactly cool.
It's not just the USA under siege from a heat dome, as parts of Europe are looking at similar heat domes. According to the US scientific journal the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers continue to monitor the links between soaring temperatures and global warming: "Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of summer extreme weather events in the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, from record-shattering heatwaves to heavy precipitation and flooding, to prolonged droughts and more extensive wildfires, as well as compounding effects due to interactions between extreme events."