News about heat wave • US

A heat dome, in comparison, tends to stick around—anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. “[With heat waves] you can at least look forward to, within a pretty short period of time, the weather's going to change. You get cooler," says Gallus. “When you get a heat dome, it can stay put for a longer period of time.”

The term "heat dome" is just another way of saying a large area of high pressure. This promotes sinking, warming air over a large area and will lead to numerous record high temperatures being set as well as the first heat wave for many in the Northeast.

A wet sheet can help your body cool down at night. The best solution during a heat wave is to avoid being outside during the hottest parts of the day and staying inside as much as possible. If you do have to be outside, drink water — and then drink more, and more. Also, wear a brimmed hat.