The extreme heatwave that affected California in the summer of 2022 was caused by a combination of meteorological factors, including high-pressure systems and a phenomenon known as a “heat dome.” According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), heat domes occur when a high-pressure system traps hot air in a region for an extended period, leading to sweltering temperatures and drought conditions.
In California, the heatwave was exacerbated by the state’s ongoing drought conditions, which have persisted for several years. These conditions have caused a reduction in snowpack and river flows, leading to water shortages in many areas.
Climate change has also played a role in the severity and frequency of heatwaves in California and around the world. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), extreme heat events have become more frequent and intense in recent decades, and this trend is expected to continue as greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise.
To mitigate the effects of heatwaves and other extreme weather events, it is critical to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement adaptive measures such as increasing green spaces and building resilience in infrastructure.
Sources:
- https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/heat-dome-over-western-us-brings-scorching-temperatures
- https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-08-31/the-heat-dome-phenomenon-thats-generating-californias-hottest-week-and-why-its-getting-worse
- https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGI_Full_Report.pdf
add a satellite image showing the heat dome over California or a graph showing the increase in frequency and severity of heatwaves in California over time.
