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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Environment
Erum Salam

Millions broil as southern US heat dome causes record highs and wildfires

A child dunks their entire head in a public water fountain stream
A child cools off in a fountain in Houston, Texas, on 3 July 2024. Photograph: Juan Mabromata/AFP via Getty Images

A heat dome covering the US’s south-west region is affecting nearly 23 million Americans, bringing with it some of the highest temperatures of the summer and putting pressure on the electrical grid in Texas.

The heat dome phenomenon occurs when strong, high pressure traps hot air over a region, preventing cool air from traveling in and causing temperatures to rise on the ground and stay high.

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