"Even in places, like Central Texas, with a long history of floods, human-caused warming is creating the conditions for more frequent and severe deluges."
"Colossal bursts of rain like the ones that caused the deadly flooding in Texas are becoming more frequent and intense around the globe as the burning of fossil fuels heats the planet, scientists say.
Warm air holds more moisture than cool air, and as temperatures rise, storms can produce bigger downpours. When met on the ground with outdated infrastructure or inadequate warning systems, the results can be catastrophic.
These were the ingredients for tragedy in Texas, a state that is well acquainted with weather extremes of all kinds: high heat and deep cold, deluges and droughts, tornadoes and hurricanes, hail and snow. Indeed, the Hill Country, the part of the state where the Guadalupe River swelled on Friday, is sometimes called “flash flood alley” for how at risk it is to seemingly out-of-nowhere surges of water.
Humid air blows into the area from two main sources, the Gulf of Mexico and the tropical Pacific Ocean. When this air collides with cool air drifting down across the Great Plains, severe storms can erupt. The hilly terrain and steep canyons quickly funnel the rain into river valleys, transforming lazy streams into roaring cascades."
Raymond Zhong reports for the New York Times July 5, 2025.
SEE ALSO:
"As Floods Hit, Key Roles Were Vacant at Weather Service Offices in Texas" (New York Times)
"House Democrat Says Climate Change ‘Obviously A Part Of’ Texas Flooding" (The Hill)
"How Weather Conditions Set The Stage For The Deadly Texas Flash Floods" (AP)
"Texas Officials Face Scrutiny Over Response To Catastrophic And Deadly Flooding" (AP)
"Flash Floods Like The One That Swept Through Texas Are The Nation’s Top Storm-Related Killer" (AP)
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