As heat dome raises temperatures across the south, what does this mean for Amarillo?

Brianna Maestas, Amarillo Globe-News
·2 min read

As forecast by AccuWeather Global Weather Center, portions of the Southwest and South Central states are expected to see record breaking highs due to a "heat dome" spanning across the southern half of the nation.

With Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle expecting above-average temperatures throughout the week as part of the current heat dome conditions, local meteorologists remind the public to stay hydrated and cool.

As explained by Meteorologist Alex Ferguson with the National Weather Service Amarillo, a "heat dome" is when pressurized air is trapped over an area, creating a sort of "dome" shape resulting in warmer temperatures and higher pressure on the ground level. According to the meteorologist, these occurrences commonly occur in the summer months.

Amarillo Temperatures expected to be in 90's to low 100's with Palo Duro Canyon reaching around 103 degrees Tuesday afternoon the public is asked to avoid hiking in the afternoon hours and take plenty of water.
Amarillo Temperatures expected to be in 90's to low 100's with Palo Duro Canyon reaching around 103 degrees Tuesday afternoon the public is asked to avoid hiking in the afternoon hours and take plenty of water.

As a result of this natural phenomenon, temperatures for Amarillo and the surrounding areas are forecast to be within the high 90's for the rest of the week and are expected to enter triple-digit heat for Saturday and Sunday, reaching as high as 104 degrees.

"Temperatures are expected to maximize either Saturday or Sunday when that area of high pressure, or that 'heat dome', will be located either overhead or to our northwest, over Colorado and New Mexico," Ferguson said.

Recorded floor temperature at Palo Duro Canyon on June 11th.
Recorded floor temperature at Palo Duro Canyon on June 11th.

Although the chance for precipitation is unlikely due to the area being encased within the current conditions and temperatures are rising, Ferguson assures the public that the heat dome is not likely to create any fire danger due to the amount of precipitation the area has previously received, combined with lower wind speeds, which are usually one of the larger contributing factors to wildfire threats.

"At this time, we are not looking at any fire dangers for our hottest days, Saturday or Sunday, due to the fact that our grass is a little greener after receiving some precipitation and not allowing for any dry fuel that those wildfires thrive on," Ferguson said.

Toni Trujillo and Pete Hernandez bring up rear guard Sunday at The Ruck Up's "Memorial Day Hike" at Palo Duro Canyon.
Toni Trujillo and Pete Hernandez bring up rear guard Sunday at The Ruck Up's "Memorial Day Hike" at Palo Duro Canyon.

The meteorologist encourages individuals to stay hydrated and cool when outside, especially those planning to visit the Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Ferguson states that these individuals are at higher risk for heat stress and are encouraged to dress in light weight, light colored, and loose fitting clothing to help stay cool; carry a lot of water; leave as early as possible; and try to be ending their outdoor adventure by midday.

"Even if they have enough water, their body, they can still get too hot and experience heat stress, which can lead to a heat stroke, which is a medical emergency that can cause severe organ damage or a fatality. So, we want to encourage people to stay hydrated and stay cool this weekend, especially if they are visiting the Canyon," Ferguson said.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: 'Heat Dome' to settle over West, raise Amarillo temperatures