Georgia will experience a heat dome this week. Here’s what that means and how you can prepare

Courtesy National Weather Organization While the heat index could go above degrees in several parts of Georgia the National Weather System has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for North and Central Georgia On Monday the probability for widespread hazardous weather is low Heat index values between and degrees are expected for portions of North and Central Georgia this afternoon and evening But Tuesday through Sunday heat index values between and degrees are expected across portions of northern and Middle Georgia between Tuesday and Thursday with the hottest conditions expected on Tuesday and Wednesday The heat may be hazardous especially for vulnerable populations Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms should return Wednesday and linger through the weekend Yes it s hot Not just regular summer hot but an increasingly persistent type of excessive heat caused by a combination of context change and specific weather conditions In addition to the dangerous heat indexes experienced across the country this summer this week s triple-digit threat brings an extra element of dread and peril a heat dome The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration investigated what triggers heat domes and uncovered the main cause was a strong change or gradient in Pacific Ocean temperatures But you don t have to leave near a California beach to feel its effects It can affect several continents Here s the way NOAA describes the phenomenon Imagine a swimming pool when the heater is turned on temperatures rise speedily in the areas surrounding the heater jets while the rest of the pool takes longer to warm up If one thinks of the Pacific as a very large pool the western Pacific s temperatures have risen over the past minimal decades as compared to the eastern Pacific creating a strong temperature gradient or pressure differences that drive wind across the entire ocean in winter In a process known as convection the gradient causes more warm air heated by the ocean surface to rise over the western Pacific and decreases convection over the central and eastern Pacific As prevailing winds move the hot air east the northern shifts of the jet stream trap the air and move it toward land where it sinks resulting in heat waves These heat waves trap warm air and humidity inside a dome-like bubble driving temperatures on the ground sky-high The dome starting Tuesday and running through Saturday will affect the greater part of Georgia Heat advisories and excessive heat warnings will be in effect Check your local forecast by county here Why are we getting so countless heat warnings this summer According to Environment Central s Circumstances Shift Index situation change will make extreme heat conditions in Georgia this week at least four times more common than without state change The index or CSI is a categorical scale defined by the ratio of how common or likely a temperature is in in the current era s altered setting vs how common it would be in a state without human-caused surroundings change What you can do to stay safe Drink plenty of fluids Stay in an air-conditioned room Stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside When attainable reschedule strenuous exercises to early morning or evening Know the signs and signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when achievable To reduce hazard during outdoor work the Occupational Safety and Fitness Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments Watch for the first signs of mild heat exhaustion headaches dizziness lethargy feeling unwell in general Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location especially before heatstroke occurs Signs of heatstroke include Confusion altered mental status slurred speech Loss of consciousness coma Hot dry skin or profuse sweating Seizures Very high body temperature Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency Call The post Georgia will experience a heat dome this week Here s what that means and how you can prepare appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta