Discuss the conditions required for the formation of a heat dome and its impact on regional climate. (20-01-2024)

·         High-pressure system: Sinking, compressing air.

·         Clear skies: Uninterrupted solar radiation.

·         Stable atmosphere: Inhibits vertical air movement.

·         Subsidence inversion: Enhances warm air trapping.

·         Temperature extremes: Record-breaking highs.

·         Drought conditions: Evaporation, soil moisture depletion.

·         Wildfires: Elevated temperatures, dry conditions.

·         Health risks: Heat-related illnesses, fatalities.

·         High-pressure System: A heat dome forms when a strong high-pressure system develops, causing the air beneath it to sink and compress.

·         Clear Skies: Clear skies allow for uninterrupted solar radiation, intensifying the heating of the Earth’s surface.

·         Stable Atmosphere: A stable atmosphere inhibits vertical air movement, preventing the dispersion of accumulated heat.

·         Subsidence Inversion: The presence of a subsidence inversion enhances the trapping of warm air, exacerbating the heat dome effect.

Impact on Regional Climate:

·         Temperature Extremes: The primary impact is the occurrence of unusually high temperatures, often breaking longstanding records.

·         Drought Conditions: Prolonged heat domes contribute to drought conditions by enhancing evaporation and depleting soil moisture.

·         Wildfires: Elevated temperatures and dry conditions elevate the risk of wildfires, posing a threat to ecosystems and human settlements.

·         Health Risks: Heat domes pose health risks, leading to heat-related illnesses and fatalities, especially among vulnerable populations.