The incredibly high temperatures found in Texas over the last couple of weeks were caused by a strong high pressure center that trapped heat near the surface, leading to extreme impacts on energy production and human and animal health. Many people were hospitalized by the torrid conditions, and at least 9 people died from the oppressive conditions. Electrical generation was very high because of the demand for air conditioning, and much of that generation came from renewable sources like solar and wind energy. You can read more about what a heat dome is at EarthSky and learn about the health impacts from the Texas Tribune. Below, a schematic of a heat dome from NOAA.
