ClimateAugust 26, 2026
heatdome
HEET-dome
Definition
A high-pressure weather system that traps stagnant hot air over a specific region, leading to prolonged and extreme heatwaves.
Etymology
The word is a modern compound formation combining 'heat' and 'dome', describing the atmospheric effect where a dome of high pressure traps heat underneath it. It gained prominence in meteorological reporting during the early 21st century.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the intense meteorological event that caused unprecedented demand for air conditioning across Europe this summer. It highlights how such events serve as a direct, physical experience of the reality of global heating.
Why are European leaders staying silent after our summer of climate shock?
Read the full article ↗The Guardian