Large portions of Texas are seeing the hottest week this summer as temperatures climb into the triple digits. North Texas may get temporary relief over the weekend before the heat turns up again next week, when a heat dome is predicted to settle over the region.

What is a heat dome, and how might it affect Texas? Here's a breakdown.

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This week will be the hottest in Texas this year -- until next week, that is. Another heat dome is settling across the Lone Star State.

The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for most of Texas, which are scheduled to expire at 9 p.m. Thursday. Excessive heat warnings, characterized by temperatures of 105℉ to 107℉, are in effect for Young, Jack, Stephens and Palo Pinto Counties. Some of these counties could be hit with "feels-like" temperatures in the 110s.

A weak cold front will sweep through North Texas early Friday morning, dropping temperatures back into the 90s. The slightly cooler temperatures will linger through the weekend before reaching triple digits again on Monday.

The heat dome will bring consistent triple-digit temperatures to Texas next week, forecasters say.

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A heat dome occurs when a persistent region of high pressure traps heat over an area, according to William Gallus, professor of atmospheric science at Iowa State University.

"The heat dome can stretch over several states and linger for days to weeks, leaving the people, crops and animals below to suffer through stagnant, hot air that can feel like an oven," Gallus said in an article in The Conversation.

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The National Weather Service warns that "extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities."

This chart shows how hot it feels when humidity and high temperatures are combined:

The National Weather Service strongly encourages those experiencing dangerous heat to do the following:

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This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas heat advisories spurred by heat dome bring soaring temperatures