The reason it is so hot today is primarily due to ongoing global climate change, which has led to warmer temperatures worldwide. In 2025, record- breaking heatwaves and higher temperatures have been widespread, with extreme heat events becoming more frequent and intense. This is caused by the accumulation of carbon pollution that traps heat in the atmosphere, creating what can be described as a "heat dome" effect, where high-pressure systems trap warm air and cause temperatures to rise significantly over large areas. Additionally, local factors such as dry soil conditions, high sea surface temperatures, and urban heat island effects can amplify the heat experienced on any given day. Specifically:
- Climate change has made extreme heat events more likely and severe by increasing the baseline global temperature.
- The "heat dome," a high-pressure system, traps heat near the surface causing intense and sustained heatwaves.
- Dry soil and warm sea surfaces contribute locally by increasing the air temperature.
- Urban areas can experience even higher temperatures due to the heat island effect, where concrete and asphalt absorb and re-radiate heat more than natural landscapes.
In sum, the intense heat today is the result of a combination of global warming, atmospheric weather patterns, and local environmental factors.
