The Midwest heat dome is finally broken, and temperatures are now much more pleasant. The heat dome didn’t leave quietly, though, as it caused a derecho to form and tear across much of the Upper Midwest. Dr. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, said a “ring of fire” weather configuration is to blame.
Glisan said damage reports have been coming in, but fortunately it seems like this derecho wasn’t as bad as it could have been.
It may seem like derechos have been having more frequently in recent years, but that’s actually because weather scientists have learned more about how to identify them. Glisan said there are a few factors that need to occur for a squall line to get classified as a derecho.
For more information, visit iowaagriculture.gov/climatology-bureau.
