heat dome

American

[heet dohm] / ˈhit ˌdoʊm /

noun

Meteorology.

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.

Etymology

Origin of heat dome

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

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See Examples For:

heat dome

Additionally, the heat dome in the region has been moving away eastward, allowing for the moisture to build up in the atmosphere.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 31, 2026

Texas is in the middle of another heat dome.

From Slate ● Jul. 31, 2026

Cooler temperatures are expected to follow by the end of the week, though the heat dome will persist in the US Mountain West for the rest of July.

From Barron's ● Jul. 14, 2026

Both heatwaves were caused by a "heat dome" - a stalled area of high pressure that trapped hot air over the region, say experts.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

A heat dome brought sweltering temperatures to much of the country, leading to warnings and some canceled festivities.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 4, 2026

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023