15-05-2025
Heat dome hits US state making it hotter than the Sahara Desert
Texas is currently experiencing an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures in several cities surpassing those typically found in the Sahara dessert.
A heat dome moving in over the state is causing record breaking high temperatures this week, posing severe health risks for residents.
The temperature is expected to range from 90° to 106° Fahrenheit on Thursday.
A heat dome is a high-pressure area with hot air trapped inside, making the area even hotter.
In San Antonio, the temperature soared to 106°F, while areas like Austin exceeded 103°F. Dallas also recorded extremely high temperatures Thursday with forecasters predicting even more heat in the coming days.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings about the prolonged nature of this heatwave, emphasizing the dangers of heat related illness.
Dr. Ralph Riviello from UT Health San Antonio, highlighted the risk of heatstroke, particularly for children, the elderly, and anyone working outdoors.
He also added that doctors are expecting to see cases of mild dehydration and fainting in local emergency rooms.
High humidity makes it more difficult for your body to cool down because perspiration doesn't drain as quickly.
Because of this, the heat index is frequently greater than the air temperature and is used to predict the likelihood of heat-related illnesses.
On X, the National Weather Service in Austin and San Antonio tweeted: 'Many will not be acclimated to this type of heat so early within the year and thus the risk for heat related illness is higher than normal.'
The state's electrical grid is also under immense pressure, with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reporting record-breaking electricity demand exceeding 78,000 megawatts this month.
That already surpasses the previous May record of 77,000 megawatts set just last year. The surge is attributed to the widespread use of air conditioning as Texans seek relief from the oppressive heat.
With record power consumption, the unusually high temperatures during the heat dome may lead to blackouts.
Extreme weather-related power outages, whether from heat waves or cold snaps, are nothing new to Texas, which has its own autonomous infrastructure.
Since a winter power crisis in 2021, the state has significantly increased its solar power and battery storage.
Climate scientists have said that this extreme weather event is becoming more intense due to climate change.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) noted that the last two years have broken global temperature records, and the last 10 years have all been the hottest on record since 1850.
Although it is difficult to link specific extreme weather events to climate change, research indicates that global warming is making heat waves more common, longer, and more intense globally.
In response to the crises, cities like Austin are implementing measures to combat the heat.
Austin's heat resilience plan includes increasing tree canopy by 50 percent by 2050, expanding cooling centers, and strengthening community outreach to those in need of cooling.
Austin, San Antonio, and Del Rio have recorded new daytime high temperature records on Wednesday due to Texas's current heat dome.
Austin broke the previous record of 96°F established in 2003 by reaching 100°F.
The previous record of 97°F from 2022 was surpassed in San Antonio this week after temperatures hit 102°F.
Additionally, Del Rio broke their previous record of 103°F set in 2003 after meteorologists recorded 104°F on Wednesday.
In a long-term forecast, the National Weather Service said that any way you look at it, it is going to be a very hot weekend across all of the South Central Texas that likely extends into early next week.
