Relentless California Heat Wave Shows No Signs of Easing

A relentless heat wave has been scorching the American Southwest for nearly a month, with triple-digit temperatures and hot nights that offer little relief. The heat wave, driven by a high-pressure ridge, is exacerbated by the onset of El Niño and is a worrisome indication of a climate radically altered by human behavior. Researchers are investigating whether human-caused climate change is altering the jet stream, and a recent study found that the ongoing heat waves in the Southwest, Europe, and China would not have been possible without climate change. The number of heat wave days could double by 2050, and the extreme warmth experienced now will become more commonplace in the future. The current heat wave has already caused heat-related illnesses and record-breaking temperatures, with Phoenix experiencing 26 consecutive days of temperatures above 110 degrees. Nighttime heat waves are particularly concerning as they hinder recovery and have significant human health impacts.