Western US Experiences Record Heatwave Due to 'Heat Dome' Phenomenon... Portland Hits 42.2°C

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] The western region of the United States is experiencing record-breaking heatwaves due to a 'heat dome phenomenon.'

The heat dome phenomenon refers to a situation where a high-pressure system developing in the mid to upper atmosphere at an altitude of 5km to 7km remains stationary or moves very slowly, trapping hot air near the ground and intensifying the heat. The hot air descending from the high pressure surrounds the ground as if trapped under a dome, hence the name heat dome.

According to ABC News and the Associated Press on the 26th (local time), the highest temperature in Portland, the largest city in Oregon, reached 108 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 42.2 degrees Celsius), surpassing the previous record high of 107 degrees (41.6 degrees Celsius) set in 1965 and 1981.

In particular, the forecast for the highest temperature on Sunday the 27th is expected to rise to 111 degrees Fahrenheit (43.9 degrees Celsius), likely breaking the record again.

Seattle, Washington, also set a new June record with a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius) on the same day. On the 27th, temperatures are expected to reach 103 degrees (39.4 degrees Celsius), and on the 28th, 108 degrees (42.2 degrees Celsius), surpassing the area's previous highest recorded temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit.

Washington and Oregon typically have average high temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit (about 21 to 26 degrees Celsius) during this period, but this summer has seen heatwaves far exceeding the average daily highs.

Other northwestern states such as Idaho and Montana, as well as Nevada, are also experiencing heatwaves, with the hot weather expected to continue into next week.

The temperature in Redding, northern California, also rose to 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius) on the same day.