heat dome

noun

plural heat domes
: a large weather pattern characterized by high atmospheric pressure that collects and holds an unusual amount of heat over a particular area

Examples of heat dome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Heralding the start of an especially warm spring season in Austin is the arrival of a system of high atmospheric pressure that will produce a heat dome over Texas. Roberto Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026 An unusually strong and sprawling heat dome is the catalyst for the heat, but the magnitude is undoubtedly being worsened by planet-warming pollution. Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026 High temperatures in the upper 90s and triple digits have been common throughout the region due to a sprawling heat dome that remains parked over the West. Denise Chow, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026 Wild extremes of temperature, a heat dome, a potent bomb cyclone blizzard, epic rainfalls and violent tornadoes have wreaked weather havoc across the nation. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026 Heat dome to raise temperatures A heat dome over the Southwest will push temperatures well into the triple digits in Arizona most of the week, much earlier than normal. CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026 The spiking temperatures will be caused by a large ridge of high pressure, which will eventually become a mega heat dome. Joaquin Palomino, San Francisco Chronicle, 14 Mar. 2026 Triple-digit heat persists in Southwest A heat dome will form early next week and park over the Southwest, baking temperatures to triple digits that haven’t been seen this early in the year, Maue and Chenard said. Seth Borenstein, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026 Extreme weather and resilience spending Utilities and regulators are responding to wildfire seasons, polar vortices, and heat domes by investing in resilience—undergrounding lines, advanced protection systems, expanded tree‑trimming, and passing the costs on to customers. Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heat dome was in 1985

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Cite this Entry

“Heat dome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heat%20dome. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

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