Air temperature satellite observations on August 23, 2023.
Millions of residents in the Midwest, Great Plains, and the Southern United States were subjected to severe heat and humidity in August 2023.
A sweltering mix of high temperatures and humidity enveloped multiple states across the South, Midwest, and Great Plains during the latter part of August 2023. This intense heat was the result of a sizable high-pressure system filled with warm air, colloquially known as a heat dome, that stationed itself over the central regions of the United States.
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Temperature Data and Historical Records
The above-displayed map represents air temperatures calculated at a height of approximately 2 meters (6.5 feet) from the ground at around 3 p.m. Central Time on the date of August 23, 2023. This data was synthesized by combining satellite measurements with temperature projections from a variant of the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) model. This model employs mathematical formulations to simulate atmospheric physical processes. The deepest shades of red highlight zones where temperatures surpassed 104°F (40°C).
Various locales in the central United States experienced record or near-record heat during this period. For example, New Orleans, Louisiana, equaled its historical high temperature, originally established in August 1980, with a reading of 102°F (39°C) on August 23 at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Houston, Texas, came close to matching its record for successive days with temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C), and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, met its record for the highest minimum daily temperature at 81°F (27°C).
Effects of Humidity and Global Heat Trends
Elevated levels of humidity, due in part to moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, amplified the harshness of the heat wave. Chicago, Illinois, reported a heat index of 116°F (47°C) on August 23, tying its second-highest heat index ever recorded. The heat index quantifies perceived heat by considering both temperature and relative humidity, affecting the human body’s ability to self-cool. Consequently, public transport trains in Chicago had to reduce speed due to thermal stress on railway tracks. One analysis by The Washington Post suggests that in excess of 100 million individuals could have been at risk from these extreme heat and humidity levels over several days.
The American heat dome is only one instance among multiple extreme heat events currently transpiring globally. Another wave of intense heat is affecting southern Europe, while numerous new temperature records are being established in Japan. Even the winter conditions in the Southern Hemisphere are displaying atypical warmth.
Upcoming Weather Projections and Potential Respite
For U.S. residents, some relief may be imminent. The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center forecasts that a cold front will likely moderate much of the heat in the Midwest by August 26. However, areas such as the southern plains and the Gulf Coast may continue to experience extreme temperatures for several more days.
The temperature map was produced by Lauren Dauphin, utilizing GEOS-5 data supplied by the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Heat Dome in Central U.S.
What is the main focus of the article?
The article primarily focuses on the extreme heat and humidity that affected the Midwest, Great Plains, and Southern United States in late August 2023. It attributes these conditions to a high-pressure system filled with warm air, known as a heat dome.
What are the primary data sources mentioned in the article?
The article utilizes satellite observations and temperature projections from a variant of the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) model. These data sources are used to provide a detailed map showing temperature distributions.
What geographical regions are most affected by this heat dome?
The regions most affected by the heat dome include the Midwest, Great Plains, and the Southern United States.
What was the role of humidity in this heat wave?
High levels of humidity, mainly drawn from the Gulf of Mexico, exacerbated the effects of the heat wave. For instance, Chicago experienced a heat index of 116°F (47°C), which ties its second highest on record.
How many people are estimated to have been exposed to dangerous levels of heat and humidity?
According to one analysis by The Washington Post, more than 100 million people may have been exposed to dangerous levels of heat and humidity over multiple days.
Are there global trends related to this heat dome?
Yes, the article mentions that this heat dome is only one among several extreme heat events occurring globally. It references additional bouts of intense heat affecting southern Europe and Japan.
Is there any forecast for relief from this extreme heat?
The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center forecasts that a cold front might alleviate much of the Midwest’s heat by August 26. However, areas like the southern plains and the Gulf Coast may continue to face extreme temperatures for a few more days.
Who produced the temperature map mentioned in the article?
The temperature map was produced by Lauren Dauphin, using GEOS-5 data supplied by the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
More about Heat Dome in Central U.S.
- Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) Model
- National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center
- The Washington Post Analysis on Heatwave Impact
- Global Modeling and Assimilation Office at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
- Heat Index Explanation and Risks
- Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events
- Southern Europe Heatwave
- Japan’s New Temperature Records
8 comments
That heat index in Chicago tho… can’t imagine how unbearable that must’ve been.
That map’s a real eye-opener. High time we do something bout this.
Wow, that’s really intense. didnt know a heat dome could cause so much trouble. Stay safe out there folks.
Is it just me or are these extreme weather events getting more frequent? Time to wake up, world.
Reliable data sources make this a compelling read. Good job.
So is this gonna be like, the new normal? Scary stuff if u ask me.
This is why climate change needs to be taken seriously! it’s affecting millions.
Good article but what’s the solution here? We can’t just keep talking bout the problem.