Some areas in the U.S. have experienced hot temperatures and severe storms lately and there's a reason.

This all has to do with a summer weather pattern sometimes called the 'ring of fire.'

What You Need To Know

  • A 'ring of fire' weather pattern brings hot temperatures

  • Showers and storms pop up along the high-pressure setup

  • Some storms can become severe

A 'ring of fire' weather pattern occurs when a dome of high pressure sets up over a part of the U.S.


The sinking air within the high pressure system leads to hot temperatures near the center.

Disturbances higher in the atmosphere form around the outside of the clockwise flow and bring in moisture, leading to storms around the high pressure.

The term 'ring of fire' refers to the arc of storms that move around the high.

Some of these storms can become very strong and even severe and last into the overnight hours. Gusty winds and heavy rainfall are usually associated with these storms.

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