Last updated October 15, 2021
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Continental US Heat Wave July 2020

Continental US

A sprawling and stagnant heat dome caused extreme and record-breaking heat across much of the US in mid-July, with temperatures 5 to 20°F above average during what is typically the hottest time of year for many states. Record-breaking heat waves are a classic signal of climate change, and the stagnant weather pattern intensifying the heat wave is also expected to increase with climate change. Heat records don't last long these days, as the Earth continues to warm due to rising greenhouse gas emissions. The US has experienced record breaking heat every summer in recent years, and the past six years globally were also the six hottest on record. 2020 has been the planet’s 2nd hottest year on record through June and is 90 percent likely to finish among the top three.

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Heat Wave
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Global Warming
Air Mass Temperature Increase
Extreme Heat and Heat Waves
Atmospheric Moisture Increase
Land Surface Temperature Increase
Heat-Related Illness Increase
Continental US Heat Wave July 2020