18 June 2024
When a heat dome persisted over the Central US. last August my reaction was “At least it isn’t happening here.” Well, now it is.
A high pressure system that was overheating the Southwest moved in on Monday and put a cap over us that’s circulating hot air and trapping heat at the surface.
Meanwhile there are very few clouds to block the sun. It just keeps getting hotter and hotter. Climate Central says the metro areas of Indianapolis, Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., New York City, and Boston are experiencing:
- Record high temperatures from 94°F to 99°F
- High humidity that makes it feels hotter when heat index values reach 105°F
- Nighttime temperatures never cool below the 70-76°F range.
Pittsburgh’s forecast is all orange.
Meanwhile all of us are under stress, especially plants, animals, outdoor workers, people without air conditioning and homeless people.
In addition to all the physical changes, heat makes us irritable, even angry.
Last evening severe thunderstorms knocked out power to more than 100,000 electric customers in southwestern PA. I’m fortunate to have both electricity and air conditioning so I’m staying indoors.
I can hardly wait for it to end.
p.s. US weather maps never show Canada. Did the heat just cease at the border? Nope. It’s hot in Canada, too!