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The Pacific Northwest is currently grappling with a perilous heat wave that has turned out to be more than just uncomfortable. Tragically, at least 63 individuals have lost their lives in Oregon alone due to these record-setting temperatures. Infrastructure is crumbling, paint is peeling off buildings, power lines are melting, and a staggering 33 million people are under emergency heat alerts. Our existing infrastructure simply isn’t designed to handle the extreme heat that much of the country is facing. While climate change is a key factor, the soaring temperatures in the Pacific Northwest are specifically attributed to a phenomenon known as a “heat dome.”
What Is a Heat Dome?
So, what is a heat dome? It occurs when a large mass of warm air becomes trapped in a wavy jet stream, creating a high-pressure area that lingers where it typically wouldn’t. This weather pattern, resembling the Greek letter Omega, keeps hot air contained and forces it downward. The compression from this sinking air raises temperatures and generates additional heat as winds blow downwards. Essentially, a heat dome is like Mother Nature’s version of a Dutch oven—we’re all simmering in our own heated air.
Adding to the severity of the situation, climate change has already increased baseline temperatures in the Pacific Northwest by 3-4 degrees Fahrenheit since the Industrial Revolution. It’s sobering to consider how human actions have impacted our planet. While I’d love to make light of things like excessive sweating or the potential for cooking food on sidewalks, this is a serious issue.
Preparing for Unprecedented Weather Events
Unprecedented weather events are becoming increasingly predictable, meaning we need to start preparing for them. What’s happening in the Pacific Northwest would statistically be considered a once-in-a-thousand-years event under “normal climate” conditions. Yet the rapidity of climate change is anything but normal. It’s not divine wrath that has caused ice storms in Texas or extreme heat in Oregon; it’s the result of human activities—burning fossil fuels, deforestation, urban development, and agricultural practices that exceed our needs. The meat industry, in particular, stands out as a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.
We must brace ourselves for the adverse effects of climate change and push for both personal and governmental action to mitigate it. There are actionable steps we can take to combat climate change, but they require a shift in how we construct our homes, consume energy, and address our carbon footprints. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind and solar, opting for electric vehicles or public transport, supporting sustainable businesses, and enhancing home energy efficiency are all vital measures. Planting trees and investing in carbon capture technologies can help draw carbon from the atmosphere.
This is a tall order for many people already struggling to make ends meet, but collective action is essential if we want to survive not just summer, but all seasons. In many areas, temperatures in the Pacific Northwest are 30 degrees higher than the seasonal average. Many residents lack air conditioning, and not everyone can—or wants to—visit cooling centers. People are flocking to beaches and other water sources, but in Portland, Oregon, numerous public pools were closed because it was too hot for staff to work. Yes, it’s too hot to even go for a swim.
Recognizing Heat-Related Illnesses
During these extreme temperatures, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms to watch for include dizziness, headaches, nausea, muscle cramps, fainting, heavy sweating, flushed skin, and confusion. The CDC advises that to remain cool, individuals should stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, keep hydrated, and avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Simple ways to stay cool include drinking cold water, applying damp towels to your head and neck, spraying your skin with cool water, and covering windows with blankets to block out heat and light. Special care should be given to pets, children, the elderly, and those with health conditions that increase their vulnerability to heat.
Many are also concerned about the drought conditions exacerbating the heat. The dry spell is intensifying as the temperatures rise, creating a dangerous cycle. As of June 22, nearly 80% of the Northwest was under drought conditions, just as fire season begins and is projected to be “above normal.” In simpler terms, leave the fireworks to the professionals, avoid fire pits, and no gender reveal explosions—let’s not add to the chaos.
People are feeling hot, miserable, and anxious; their homes and livelihoods are at risk. Although temperatures are expected to cool down soon, our country faces a significant challenge if we wish to prevent these heat waves from becoming the norm.
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Summary
The Pacific Northwest is enduring a heat wave linked to a “heat dome,” resulting in unprecedented temperatures and severe infrastructure challenges. Climate change has raised baseline temperatures significantly, contributing to this phenomenon. Immediate action is necessary to address the impacts of climate change, including transitioning to renewable energy and enhancing infrastructure. As temperatures soar, awareness of heat-related illnesses is crucial, and effective cooling strategies should be employed.
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