Heat waves are a possibility though, right? You'd probably have to watch the weather for awhile. Even more so, find a way to locate the device if it is a device controlling it. We can't really take this to heart unless concrete proof exists. But if you found concrete proof, everyone would believe it! [SCIENCE.] It would be rude to disregard it completely. You might be on to something, but you'll need to do a lot of research on the phenomenon.

I don't know. I never paid much attention to the games. You can ask the locals perhaps. They might know of lore or legends that can help you.