heat dome

[heet dohm]

noun

Meteorology.

1. a weather phenomenon in which an area experiences stifling heat when a system of high pressure pushes very warm air downward and keeps it trapped as if in a bubble.

Word History and Origins

Origin of heat dome¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Last week, Chicago was smothered by another heat dome.

Read more on Salon

The growing dangers of heat waves can already be seen this summer, the researchers noted, pointing to the late June heat dome that settled over the Eastern U.S. and set new daily heat records in at least 50 cities, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It was the result of a large area of high pressure getting "stuck" over Europe – dubbed a "heat dome" by some - and high temperatures are becoming increasingly common in the UK.

Read more on BBC

While this heatwave is a result of a large area of high pressure getting "stuck" over Europe – dubbed a "heat dome" by some - high temperatures are becoming increasingly common in the UK.

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They've been triggered by an area of high pressure getting "stuck" over Europe, known as a heat dome.

Read more on BBC