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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Environment
Erum Salam

What is a heat dome and how is it contributing to the heatwave in the US?

a child stands under a water fountain
A child cools off in Chicago as temperatures reached a record high of 97F on 17 June 2024. Photograph: Scott Olson/Getty Images

More than 270 million Americans – about 80% of the country’s population – are experiencing a kind of heatwave not seen in decades, smashing records with temperatures at or above 90F (32.2C) for long periods of time under a weather phenomenon known as a heat dome.

New York governor Kathy Hochul has announced that she activated the National Guard to assist in any heat emergencies that may develop over the next several days.

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