Record-Smashing Heat Spreads: ‘Basically The Entire U.S. Is Going To Be Hot’
The massive heat dome that has set records in 14 states and the entire United States is now moving eastward, potentially becoming one of the most extensive heat waves in American history, according to meteorologists and weather historians.
Meteorologist Gregg Gallina from the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center stated that this heat wave is expected to linger until the middle of next week as April begins. Gallina added that the entire U.S. will experience high temperatures, with a large area breaking records for March.
The heat dome, caused by high pressure trapping hot air over a region, will result in Flagstaff, Arizona, experiencing temperatures higher than ever before for 11 to 12 consecutive days. The dome’s eastward movement will bring temperatures in the 90s Fahrenheit to the southern and central Plains by Wednesday.
Weather historian Chris Burt compared the size of this heat wave to historic events like the Dust Bowl heat waves of 1936, noting that while those events were more intense, they occurred over a longer period. The current heat wave is affecting a larger physical area, surpassing previous records in numerous states.
Climatologist Maximiliano Herrera highlighted that Mexico also experienced record-breaking temperatures, surpassing previous March records. The National Center for Environmental Information recorded over 479 weather stations breaking records for March, with additional daily records shattered during the same period.
Experts attribute the extreme heat to climate change, with international climate scientists stating that such record-breaking temperatures would be “virtually impossible” without the influence of human activities. The heat dome is expected to dissipate by late next week, providing relief from the scorching temperatures.
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