What is a heat dome and how it will make temperatures even hotter

As North Jersey residents prepare for a massive heat wave that will last all week, forecasters also explain how a heat dome is making its way to the Northeast that will make for an even hotter atmosphere.

What is a heat dome?

A heat dome is a hot air mass that develops because high pressure in an area prevents the hot air from rising, causing the hot air to be trapped near surface level, according to American Meteorologist Survey.

This hot air mass will spread to the Northeast region starting Tuesday according to National Weather Service. This heat dome is expected to occur over several days.

These heat domes are shifting to the Northeast from areas in the Southwest that experienced a heat wave over this past weekend.

NJ weather: Ways to stay cool right in your own backyard during New Jersey's heat wave

Heat domes are being enhanced by climate change said CBS News senior weather producer David Parkinson. He explains the climate shift index that showed "the likelihood that the heat that is going on is related to climate change," and then proceeds to describe climate change caused the extreme heat in the south on Thursday's show.

Heat advisory in NJ

Forecasts are expected to reach brutally hot temperatures as the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch in effect for North Jersey from Wednesday morning until Saturday evening. A heat advisory will remain in effect from 10 a.m. on Tuesday until 6 a.m. on Wednesday.

Heat related illnesses are expected to increase during these events of extreme heat and increases in humidity. National Weather Service advises to take precautious actions which include drinking plenty of fluid and stay in air conditioning if possible.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Heat dome to add to hot temperatures this week