Is the heat wave caused by climate change? Expert explains why this year is different

The central United States has seen persistent hot and dry conditions this summer, resulting in dozens of wildfires. The heat wave is a result of a high pressure ridge impacting the region since June, which pushes air toward the Earth’s surface, diminishing cloud cover and rain opportunities, Tom Bradshaw, National Weather Service meteorologist, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. High pressure and drought are not new occurrences for Texas, said Arne Winguth, The University of Texas at Arlington earth and environmental professor, but the conditions occur more frequently due to climate change. Wi...