Texas: Potential for Sahara-like Heatwaves This Week

They say everything is bigger in Texas, but the recent June heat records have raised concern. The National Weather Service (NWS) office in San Angelo, Texas reported in a tweet that the temperature in San Angelo reached 112°, breaking the previous record of 105° set in 1994. This record-breaking heat is becoming the new normal in Texas, with the state experiencing a third week of scorching temperatures. The situation is comparable to the extreme heat experienced in the Sahara Desert, one of the hottest places on Earth.

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Many cities in Texas have been enduring consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures. Del Rio, for instance, broke a daily high-temperature record for eight consecutive days. These extreme heat conditions pose significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations, outdoor workers, and lower-income communities. The National Weather Service has been issuing Heat Advisories and Excessive Heat Warnings to raise awareness of these dangers. Additionally, the discomforting combination of high temperatures and humidity during the night further exacerbates the risks.

The sustained and brutal heat is caused by a phenomenon known as a “heat dome.” Although the center of the heat dome is primarily situated over Mexico, Texas has still been greatly affected. The temperature anomalies associated with the heat dome have been significant, with some areas in Texas experiencing departures of more than twenty degrees from average temperatures.

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A heat dome is a long-lasting high-pressure system that traps heat. This weather pattern leads to prolonged heatwaves, which is exactly what Texas has been experiencing. The process of adiabatic compression within high-pressure systems further intensifies the heat. Typically, high-pressure systems receive less attention compared to low-pressure systems, as they are associated with clear and predictable weather conditions. However, when high-pressure systems are strong and sustained, they become a significant problem.

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Weather expert Ben Noll recently highlighted that Texas is on track to become one of the hottest places on Earth. The heat in Texas can be compared to the extreme temperatures experienced in the Persian Gulf region and the Sahara Desert. As the week progresses, temperatures in Texas are expected to reach levels similar to those in Mechouar-Kasba, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco, where the forecast predicts temperatures of 107°F.

The National Weather Service predicts that the heatwave will continue and expand over the next few days, with potentially record-breaking temperatures in Texas and the Lower Mississippi Valley. The warm overnight temperatures provide little relief from the heat, compounding the impact of the heatwave.

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The effects of the heatwave vary across the region. In the deserts and high plains, higher air temperatures prevail, while to the east, lower air temperatures combined with higher humidity and heat indices contribute to a significant risk of heat-related illnesses.

It is worth noting that extreme temperatures, rather than tornadoes or hurricanes, are the deadliest weather phenomena in the United States each year.

The boundary of the heat dome has also played a role in triggering tornado-producing storms in the surrounding areas. Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli refers to this phenomenon as the “ring of fire.” The contrast between extreme heat and warmth, along with stronger winds in this area, enhances the intensity and speed of these storms.

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