Scientifically: What is the heat dome phenomenon that will affect several Arab countries at the end of the week?

Arab Weather - Meteorologists at the Arab Weather Center said that the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean are set to witness a heat wave during the end of this week and the beginning of next week, resulting from the growing influence of the Arab high pressure system, which is fueling the heat dome phenomenon in 8 Arab countries ( more details ).

Scientifically: What is the heat dome phenomenon?

A heat dome is a climatic phenomenon that results from a high-pressure area in the upper atmosphere, which heats the air in the lower atmosphere due to a dynamic process called "heating under pressure." When the air is compressed in a specific area under the influence of a high-pressure area in the upper atmosphere, a hot surface air mass is created, the intensity of which varies depending on the area, the intensity of the high-pressure area, and also depending on the period of its formation during the year.

The high pressure traps the hot air like a lid on a boiling pot. As the hot air expands vertically in the atmosphere, the high pressure pushes it back toward the ground. The air is compressed again under the high pressure area, causing it to gain more heat. This is known scientifically as sub-pressure heating.

Will the Gaza Strip be affected by the heat wave expected at the end of the week?

A heat dome can cause temperatures to rise much higher than normal. Furthermore, the ground begins to warm, lose moisture, and the risk of forest fires increases. The heat dome's impact is further exacerbated by urban areas and urban sprawl at the expense of agricultural areas, as cities absorb and store heat, unlike urban and rural areas.

And God knows best.