What is a heat dome? Where is it right now? How long will it last?
Parts of the United States are currently experiencing a rare heat dome.  A heat dome takes place when the atmosphere traps hot ocean air like a lid or cap over a specific region, according to the National Ocean Service under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It causes record-smashing and dangerously high temperatures outside  even higher than some notoriously hot places around the world. The most current heat dome is taking place in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, causing record-high temperatures and bringing on a heat wave. But what makes this heat wave different from others in the past in the Pacific Northwest region is that its intensity is a more than a one-in-1,000-year event. Portland, Oregon, for example, shattered its all-time high of 108 degrees on Saturday and the peak of the heat wave in the area has not even begun yet. Temperatures were expected to hit 114 degrees Monday in another record-setting day. These are dangerous numbers, especially in a region where many do not have air conditioners and are not used to heat like this. This heat wave in the Pacific Northwest follows another historic heat wave that took place in the Desert Southwest, Intermountain West, and California not even two weeks ago. The heat wave will last longer in the inland areas of Oregon and Washington, with temperatures expected to soar between 100F and 115F over the next week. The coastal areas in those two states are expected to cool down starting Tuesday. New Jersey is no stranger to a heat dome. In mid-July 2016, the dome of high pressure grew so large and hot that the state experienced triple-digit temperatures, damaging many crops. Weather forecasters have predicted that a heat dome could come to the region again as soon as July. It will feel like 100 degrees or more the next 3 days in most of New Jersey, forecasters say. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com  Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us at nj.com/tips.