Heat_D

 When all else fails, I have been known to go to the Russian-

language version of a topic and ask for an English-language

translation. I did it again this morning, trying to make sense

of that 'heat dome' over Texas that seems so alarming.

What I was missing: how can hot air sink...Cold air is more dense,

after all. 

Turns out it is being compressed.

                                                    

                                                                                  

                                                     *     *     *

Atmospheric circulation is governed by the Jet Stream, which is where

hot air from the equator meets cold air from the poles and - for us -

creates a West to East upper level wind corridor.

The Coriolis effect creates atmospheric circulation. (The atmosphere moves

with the planet).

The Western Pacific shore is warmer then the Eastern. There is not enough

cold air to maintain a robust Jet Stream.

 A heat dome forms!!   

                                                   *     *     *

https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/how-much-hotter-can-texas-get