A heat dome is set to bring hazardous temperatures to the West, with the Rockies expected to experience some of the most intense heat. High temperatures are forecast to reach the triple digits, with areas in Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas potentially reaching 105 degrees.
Heat Wave Concerns
The heat wave is expected to raise concerns about wildfires, as the hot and dry conditions could dry out vegetation and make it more susceptible to burning. However, the heat dome is also expected to bring a surge of moisture into the region, which could help tamp down temperatures and reduce the risk of wildfires.
Cities such as Billings, Montana, and Salt Lake City are expected to experience extreme heat, with temperatures potentially reaching record highs. The heat wave is expected to expand into the central US early next week, bringing hazardous temperatures to a wider area.
The heat dome is a large area of high pressure that stalls over a region, trapping heat and driving up temperatures. This type of weather pattern is not uncommon in the US, but the frequency and intensity of heat waves are increasing due to emissions from the burning of fossil fuels.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
