How the current heat dome can affect human health
A heat dome that began in Mexico in May moved into the U.S. in early June causing sweltering temperatures. Michala Garrison/NASA Earth Observatory hide caption
A heat dome that began in Mexico in May moved into the U.S. in early June causing sweltering temperatures.
Michala Garrison/NASA Earth ObservatoryRight now, there's a "heat dome" lingering over the southwestern U.S. – a high pressure system that pushes hot air down and traps it, pushing the temperature up. Heat is becoming increasingly lethal as climate change causes more extreme heat. So in today's encore episode, we're exploring heat. NPR climate correspondent Lauren Sommer talks with Short Wave host Regina G. Barber about how the human body copes with extended extreme heat and how today's heat warning systems could better protect the public. With scientists predicting a very hot summer, if you can, stay cool out there, dear Short Wavers.
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This story was edited and fact-checked by Gisele Grayson. It was produced by Rebecca Ramirez. Robert Rodriguez was the audio engineer.