LIFE UNDER A HEAT DOME

Many things are labeled a Dome: a fancy light, a basketball stadium, a tent, a roof. Most of these are interesting, some are useful. BUT there is one kind of dome that is not nice to be around...a HEAT DOME...and that's where we are now!

Here's a good explanation: Heat Domes can arise in still and dry summer conditions, when a mass of warm air builds up, and the high pressure from the Earth's atmosphere pushes the warm air down. The air is then compressed, and as its net heat is now in a smaller volume, it increases in temperature. As the warm air attempts to rise, the high pressure above it acts as a dome, forcing the air down and causing it to get hotter and hotter, resulting in increased pressure below the dome. (credit to Wikipedia)

Weather scientists note that heat domes may no longer become so rare.

SO WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

1. Support urban planning, public health advisories, and community interraction.

2. Help create 'green areas.'

3. Look at improving personal ventilation and using cool roofs.

4. Encourage provision of 'cooling centers'.

5. Limit outdoor work or play time, or take regular cooling breaks indoors.

6. Drink EXTRA water. Make sure animals do the same.

7. Check on friends and neighbors.

   
   

   UUs value care for our Earth and for our fellow creatures.