Written by Madiha Boolani, Four Green Steps

This summer has been incredibly hot so far. Scores of people have died due to the sweltering heat and dehydration. The high record breaking temperatures have been caused by vast amounts of warmth and moisture being trapped under a huge heat dome.

High pressure system that develops in the upper atmosphere causes air below to sink and compress due to higher weight. This forms the heat dome which raises temperature in the lower atmosphere. The clear skies and higher summertime angle of the sun add to the heat.

Temperatures in most parts of North America are unexpectedly high and people aren’t prepared for the rising temperatures. Few people have fans and air conditioners and the hence gives rise to health concerns from heat strokes and dehydration.

High humidity makes it harder for our bodies to cool off due to latent heat of vaporisation which causes a cooling effect when sweat evaporates. However cooler air should begin moving into the prairies this weekend, as a strong pool of air from the jet stream begins to push hot air out of the way before making its way east.

Image courtesy of Creative Commons.

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