What is a ridge rider and how do they form?

As much of the country remains under extreme heat warnings, some regions located just outside the core of the heat dome are experiencing a different, but equally intense weather pattern known as a ridge rider.

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A ridge rider is a type of storm system that develops and repeatedly tracks along the outer edge of a high pressure ridge in the atmosphere.

While the center of the heat dome stays hot and stable, the boundary of that system becomes a pathway where storms can repeatedly form and travel.

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"These are powerful complexes of storms that can strike the same places in the summertime day after day," FOX Weather Meteorologist Ian Oliver said. 

How ridge rider storms form

A high pressure ridge is a large area of sinking, warm air in the atmosphere. These systems are often associated with hot, dry and very stable weather conditions.

However, the edge of this ridge is experiencing something very different.

The edge of the ridge has intense heat and high pressure, which creates instability, causing thunderstorms to repeatedly develop and move along the same path.

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These storms typically form due to a combination of intense heat, humidity, and atmospheric instability, allowing severe thunderstorms to develop.

According to FOX Forecast Center, one of the defining qualities of a ridge rider is repetition. Unlike isolated severe storms, a ridge rider will happen in similar areas over the course of several days.

As long as the ridge stays in place, storms will continue to form along its outer edge and ride that boundary.

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What it’s like in affected areas 

People that live in areas that are impacted by ridge riders may experience a cycle of extreme weather.

Some places may see intense heat and humidity during the day, then have strong thunderstorms in the evening and afternoon.

These storms are known to be fast-moving, so they may arrive quickly without any warning.

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Although these storms may provide relief from the heat, they can pose hazards from the dangerous weather.

For example, some regions may face flash floods, damaging wind gusts or even a tornado.

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To stay safe, it is important to take the necessary precautions and follow forecasts and warnings issued by local weather officials.