A weather phenomenon is heading into Texas and California on Tuesday, putting millions of Americans in the path of a scorching heat wave.
A heat dome, which is a phenomenon caused by hot air being trapped in one region by a high pressure air system, killed dozens of people inMexico last month and is now expected to bring record-breaking temperatures to the southwestern US.
California could see temperatures 20 degrees Fahrenheit above the average for at least a week, while parts of Texas near the border could see up to 114 degrees.
The national weather service has warned that the rest of the nation, from the Midwest to Northeast, is also expected to see increased temperatures due to the southwestern heat dome.
A heat dome, which is a phenomenon caused by hot air being trapped in one region by a high pressure air system, killed dozens of people in Mexico last month and is now expected to bring record-breaking temperatures to the southwestern US
In this latest heat dome, Texans are expected to deal with temperatures as high as 114 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some models have predicted that the heat domes will only last through June 8 -but others have suggested that this will hang over the country for the rest of the month,Axios reported.
A heat dome happens when hot air from the ocean gets trapped under a high pressure air system. This presses the hot air down to the surface, trapping it.
This prevents cooler air from moving around, pushing out clouds and rain, which increases the chance of wildfire.
It's somewhat like putting a lid on a hot pot and then watching it boil more quickly.
This is what is projected to cause temperatures inCalifornia's CentralValley to reach as high as 110 degrees, which is 20 degrees higher than normal for June, the New York Times reported.
The NWS said there is a 40 to 60 percent chance of excessive heat through the tenth.
This region of the country produces 25 percent of America's food, mainly fruits, nuts and grains, according to the Department of the Interior.
For the roughly 146,400 farmworkers that staff these sweltering fields, this heatwave could spell danger.
A previous investigation by Inside Climate Newsfound that the death of 83 farmworkers from 2018 to 2022 to could be attributed to extreme heat and poor air conditions- causing heart attacks, strokes or other cardiovascular diseases.
'Extreme heat is an invisible but dangerous consequence of climate change, and California’s, seniors and children are particularly vulnerable,' California's Environmental Protection Agency shared in a X.
This might also interrupt the production of 'high-value' crops like almonds, tomatoes, walnuts, stone fruit and wine grapes.
InTexas, the heat dome is expected to center over the southern and western parts of the state, near the border with Mexico.
Many regions around San Antonio are projected to be at 'extreme risk' for heat-related impacts, a NWS categorizationthat warns people to stay hydrated and near air conditioning when possible.
Estimates put the heat index between 110 and 114 degrees in the state in coming days - up to 10 degrees hotter than what is typically seen in June.
The state broke its previous record high heat of 108 degrees from 1998 - reaching 115 degrees on Memorial Day.
These temperatures have caused violent thunderstorms across the state.
Texas officials have issued a 'heat advisory' for Lasara, Cameron Park, Brownsville and other towns close to the Mexico border.
The heat wave began in Mexico this month, killing over two dozen people and sparking intense power failures.
Higher than normal temperatures are no just uncomfortable - but they can be deadly.
At least 11,000 Americans were killed because of heatwaves in 2023.
Deaths of this kind happen because too much heat can cause your body to overload - unable to balance its internal temperatures - which puts stress on your heart and kidneys, according to theWorld Health Organization.
This can cause heart attacks, stroke and kidney dysfunction. Extreme heat therefore kills an estimated as 1,220 Americans each year - though the total could be higher, since it's difficult to report - according to the Centers for Disease Control.
If you're young and healthy - it's unlikely that you'll die from heat exposure.
Also, elderly people, infants and immunocompromised people can lower their risk of heat-related conditions by hydrating, staying indoors and using fans or air conditioning.
Looking out over the rest of the country, experts predict we're headed for another season of record breakers,Kristy Dahl, a principal climate scientist for the Climate and Energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists told The Guardian.
'We can expect another dangerous hot summer season, with daily records already being broken in parts of Texas and Florida,' said Dahl.
Temperatures in New York city at this time last year sat around mid-60s, while the city is seeing high 70s this week.
While Miami, Florida saw 84 degrees on June 4, 2023, but the city is predicted to experience 86 degrees on June 4.
