المملكة: Climate Professor: The heat dome is behind sudden heat waves and high temperatures
Professor of Climate at Qassim University and Vice President of the Saudi Weather and Climate Society, Dr. Abdullah Al-Misnad, explained that Heat waves that some areas witness during Summer season, which is represented by temperatures rising above their normal levels by about 3 to 5 degrees Celsius or more, is primarily due to the formation of what is known as the “heat dome”.
He said that it is an atmospheric system that works to trap heat over a specific area for periods that may extend to several days.
Astronomical factors
Al-Musnad explained that the astronomical factors related to solar radiation do not change suddenly when heat waves occur, and that The nature of the Earth’s surface remains the same, indicating that the main reason lies in the dynamics of the atmosphere and the formation of an upper air ridge at an altitude ranging between 3 and 5 kilometers, which works to push air masses from the top to the bottom.
He added that these downward currents lead to the compression of the air in the lower layers of the atmosphere, which automatically raises its temperature, and establishes a stage in which the natural cooling mechanisms that depend on the rise of hot air from the Earth’s surface to the top are disrupted.
Downdrafts
Al-Misnad pointed out that the upper air force imposes strong downdrafts that oppose the usual upward currents, which limits the process of natural ventilation and leads to a significant increase in temperatures and a decrease in humidity. He indicated that the continuation of this condition results in the formation of a hot, dry air dome covering the affected area.
Al-Misnad confirmed that the heat dome works as an air cover that prevents heat leakage and limits the entry of moderate weather systems, as well as The effect of winds, which usually contribute to mixing the air layers and reducing the severity of thermal extremes, weakens, which leads to the continuation of hot conditions for varying periods.
Increasing loads
The climate professor pointed out that the presence of the heat dome for several days may affect a number of vital sectors, including electricity, water, health, and agriculture, as a result of increased operational loads and high levels of Heat stress.
He explained that these waves remain temporary weather conditions, as the movement of jet winds in the upper layers of the atmosphere contributes to gradually displacing the air high and the heat dome, allowing temperatures to return to their normal levels.
Transient weather phenomena
Dr. Al-Misnad stressed that the occurrence of an intense heat wave during a certain period does not necessarily mean that the entire summer season will be hotter than usual, indicating that heat waves are considered phenomena. Transient weather conditions cannot be relied upon alone to judge the long-term climate path.
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