“Global ocean heat content is at record high levels – new update just in from the Japan Meteorological Agency dataset…
“Upper ocean heat content is also soaring off the chart with the latest data update from the Japan Meteorological Agency.”
0-700 meter graphic by Zack Labe.
https://bsky.app/profile/zacklabe.com/post/3liqdorsagc2r
“A quick reminder that we are witnessing the beginning of simultaneous cascading global catastrophes.
“It’s a good day for a long walk.” [Global sea ice extent at record low; Prof Eliot Jacobson]
https://bsky.app/profile/climatecasino.net/post/3limg24ux3c26
“Two-thirds of the Earth’s surface experienced record heat in 2024. See where and by how much – visualised…
“In oceans and on land, from Colombia to China, and from the north to south pole, records for the monthly average temperature were smashed time and time again last year – in some cases, by as much as 5C (9F) hotter than the previous record.”
“Storm Éowyn levelled up to €500 million of timber in commercial forests, according industry calculations based on the latest [Irish] Government damage estimates.
“The Department of Agriculture reported this week that the storm blew down 23,625 hectares of forest in the Republic.”
https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/02/22/storm-eowyn-causes-500m-damage-to-forests/
“Alarming levels of tyre pollution found in Cotswolds rivers [England]
“The study, led by Earthwatch Europe, inspected road-side water from the Evenlode and Windrush catchments and found concerning amounts of tyre-related pollutants. These pollutants, made up of harmful rubber compounds, antioxidants, and stabilisers, are washed from roads into rivers.”
“The Environment Agency has called on farmers in Devon and Cornwall to take action against soil erosion after pollution incidents almost doubled.
“The agency said there were 25 incidents of heavy rain washing off farm fields into rivers, roads or homes in January…”
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c39vl1grz81o
“Netherlands Sees Record-Breaking Warmth On February 21st. Unprecedented temperatures ushered in the first official spring day of 2025 across the country…
“Reports indicated temperatures of about 19.3 degrees Celsius [67F] were recorded in Woensdrecht, with other areas also basking under the sun…”
https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/netherlands-sees-recordbreaking-warmth-on-february-21st-212339
“EXCEPTIONAL WARMTH IN EUROPE:
Dozens of February heat records; some examples: UK 13.4C Scilly AP; NETHERLANDS 19.0 Woensdrecht,16.3 Lauwersoog… GERMANY 16.9 Lingen, 15.3 Norderney… Records also in BELGIUM with 19.5C at Antwerp the most important monthly record.”
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1892976250526015598
“German election: why most political parties aren’t talking about the climate crisis…
“In a recent study, we found that people who planned to vote for the AfD and the leftwing populist BSW party are indeed sceptical of the need for far-reaching climate policies.”
“Farmers Overshadow Climate Push in Europe’s New Vision for Food…
“The new vision comes after farmers last year took to the streets of Brussels, Berlin, Paris and Warsaw to protest against red tape, climate policies and unfair standards — part of a list of grievances. Officials took note.”
“EU approves €98.6 million aid for farmers in Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, and Hungary after climate disasters…
“Due to the growing frequency of adverse climatic events, the Commission has emphasized the need to strengthen risk management tools and encourage their broader adoption across the Union…”
“Heavy snow has blanketed Istanbul for the first time in years as an Arctic storm hit the region, with temperatures plunging across Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.
“The snow was forecast to reach depths of up to 40 centimetres in some areas of the Turkish city and has played havoc with transport.”
“How can Cyprus cope with winter drought?
“”Last year was already bad, but this is the second year that is very dry,” said Adriana Bruggeman, assistant professor with the Research Center for Energy, Environment and Water at the nonprofit Cyprus Institute.”
https://www.dw.com/en/how-can-cyprus-cope-with-winter-drought/a-71685145
“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has issued a heat stress warning following a surge in temperatures across the country, with several states experiencing extreme heat conditions.
“In a report posted on X on Thursday, NiMet revealed that as of Wednesday, February 19, maximum temperatures ranged between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius.”
https://punchng.com/nimet-warns-nigerians-of-heat-stress-as-temperatures-soar-nationwide/
“Drought Puts More than 40% of Namibians at Risk of Going Hungry.
“A prolonged drought in Namibia has disrupted farming, leaving about 1.26 million people or more than 40% of the population at risk of crisis-level food insecurity, according to the nation’s agriculture ministry.”
“Southern Africa is bracing for more extreme weather as mop-up operations continue following devastating rains earlier this week.
“The South African Weather Service has issued a level 4 warning, indicating severe conditions are expected to persist. Torrential rains have caused catastrophic damage across multiple provinces…”
https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/southern-africa-faces-severe-weather-crisis-amid-flooding-213286
“South Sudan closes schools after students collapse due to extreme heat…
“This is the second time the country — which faces extreme effects from climate change, including flooding during the rainy season — has closed schools during a heatwave in February and March.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/south-sudan-juba-b2702413.html
“Exceptional heat also in the KENYA’s second largest city:
“The port of Mombasa yesterday recorded 36.4C [97.5F], just 0.1C from its highest temperature in history (set twice: Feb 2000 & Feb 2024).”
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1892592492421300429
“Grass Fire Breaks Out Next to Nairobi Airport [Kenya].
“The Kenya Red Cross said its emergency-response teams were helping to battle the blaze. This footage shows the fire burning close to 75 Airport North Road, on the north side of the airport compound.”
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/grass-fire-breaks-next-nairobi-200610756.html
“Volcano in Ethiopia is releasing unusually large plumes of methane…
“A volcano in Ethiopia is spewing unusually large volumes of methane from its crater, according to satellite measurements of the potent greenhouse gas. This comes after hundreds of earthquakes have shaken the region over the past few months…”
“Study reveals Arabia’s rainfall was five times more extreme 400 years ago…
“”What it tells us is that the climate, both the average and the extremes, can change dramatically in this region, and the assumption of long-term climate stability in future development is not a good one.” said Amy Clement, a professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences.”
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1074611
“First heat of 2025 in the MIDDLE EAST, well ahead of normal. Up to 36C [96.8F] in OMAN and up to Minimums of 26C in Saudi Arabia, close to winter records.
“In the meanwhile a severe cold spell brings frost and snow in the Caucasus and Turkey.”
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1892384352752812201
“Mount Everest’s Snow Cover Receded By 150 metres This Winter, Satellite Images Reveal…
“Pelto said that warmer and drier conditions have been prevailing in recent winters, including those of 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025, which are driving a reduced snow cover, higher snow lines and increased forest fires.”
“India’s Wheat Crop at Risk as Warm Weather Persists.
“The combination of extreme weather conditions and dwindling stockpiles has put the country’s wheat output in jeopardy, potentially affecting domestic prices and trade policies… rainfall in the country’s northwest — a key wheat-growing region — has been almost 80% below normal since the beginning of the year.”
“INDIA RECORD HEAT:
“Record heat continues unabated in areas of Southern India. Today again records of February highest minimums: 27.0 [80.6f] Amini Divi tied again; 25.6 Godalpur. Heat records are falling in every corner of the tropics in all Continents.”
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1892491883425022010
“Forest Fire Engulfs Ofunato City [Japan], Evacuations Issued…
“A massive forest fire continues to rage across Ofunato City, located within Iwate Prefecture, leading to severe destruction and the evacuation of local residents. Since its outbreak on February 19, 2025, the fire has expanded…”
https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/forest-fire-engulfs-ofunato-city-evacuations-issued-213912
“Flash floods ravage four Kanchanaburi villages [Thailand]…
“Provincial officers reported that at least 75 households in Moos 1, 2, 3 and 4 were submerged in floodwater, which also cut off two bridges crossing canals in the villages.”
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40046577
“Elderly man dies from melioidosis in Townsville [NE Queensland] following record rainfall and flooding.
“Another person has died from a disease linked with heavy rain in a flood-hit region that may soon be on cyclone watch. Queensland Health confirmed an elderly person had died of melioidosis in Townsville while three new cases of dengue virus had also been discovered in the community.”
“Record marine heatwave smashing half of Western Australia’s coastline, bleaching coral reefs.
“Deep corals at the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef complex are bleaching for the first time on record. The heat stress is because of a marine heatwave along half the WA coastline that has bleached corals from Ningaloo up to Ashmore Reef at the same time — in another record first.”
“Newly discovered Australian frogs highlight dire limits of climate change adaptation.
“The research… has identified two new species of Whirring Tree Frogs that show no evidence of adapting to the gradual climate warming and drying across the Australian continent. These frogs now survive only in isolated, cool, and moist upland environments, with little to no opportunity to shift habitats as temperatures rise.”
https://phys.org/news/2025-02-newly-australian-frogs-highlight-dire.html
“One of Australia’s most venomous snakes is ‘air-fried’ in 43C [109.4F] heatwave.
“A red-bellied black snake has been baked to death during a sweltering heatwave. The dried-out reptile was discovered by a snake catcher in Willunga, in Adelaide’s south, during a sweltering 43C day earlier this month.”
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14423105/red-bellied-black-snake-heatwave-adelaide.html
“Residents warned to take shelter as bushfires burn in South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.
“Extreme fire danger and total fire bans have been declared for much of South Australia and Victoria, including Melbourne, as hot and dry winds bring sweltering temperatures to the region on Saturday.”
“ENDLESS RECORD HEAT IN OCEANIA; 100% of the tropics are destroying records no-stop, often re-broken multiple times.
“NORTHERN MARIANAS Min 26.1 Saipan; MICRONESIA Min 27.8 [82F] Pohnpei; February National records of Highest Minimums again.”
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1893216659185488324
“SOUTH AMERICA HEAT WAVE. It has been an insanely hot month with heat waves one after another and dozens of records and it’s not over yet:
“A new extreme heat wave will sweep Central Argentina first, then move North to Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil.”
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1892534234612727849
“SOUTH AMERICA RECORD HOTTEST FEBRUARY NIGHT CONFIRMED. Kudos Ernesto AtmoII – highest February minimum in South America history (30.8C / 87.4F) earlier this month.”
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1893122200724742283
“Fierce storm in Mar del Plata [Argentina]: four-centimetre hail destroyed cars and houses.
“A violent storm of hail and wind hit Mar del Plata on Friday, causing severe damage in various neighborhoods in the south of the city. Ice stones up to four centimeters in diameter destroyed cars, broke roofs and knocked down trees… extreme heat preceded the storm.”
“A bridge collapses due to heavy rains in Guayaquil [Ecuador]…
“Following the downpour on the night of February 20 in Guayaquil, where there was chaos, traffic jams and tragedies such as that of the minor who lost his life after being swept away by the current in the San Francisco 2 cooperative.”
“Droughts, floods and economic uncertainty: Portraits of the Wayuu people in northern Colombia.
“Climate change is rapidly altering the way of life of the Indigenous Wayuu people, a semi-nomadic Indigenous group living in the arid La Guajira region, which spans northern Colombia and Venezuela.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/venezuela-health-risks-nelly-maracaibo-david-b2702333.html
“Central America is also living a very hot month, especially Guatemala and Honduras with records broken nearly every day.
“”Exceptional minimum 27.4C [81.3F] Choluteca HONDURAS, one of the hottest winter nights in all North America history. In the area this month is nearly 1C hotter than February 2024.”
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1892881591786950713
“Hurricane-proof skyscrapers vulnerable to less powerful windstorms, study finds [US].
“A team from Florida International University’s (FIU) civil and environmental engineering department studied the unexpectedly severe damage caused to buildings in Houston, a city with 50 skyscrapers of 492ft (150 metres) or more, during the 16 May 2024 derecho.”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/21/hurricane-proof-skyscrapers-derechos-study
“LA mayor dismisses fire chief over response to most destructive wildfire in city history last month.
“Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass ousted the city’s fire chief Friday amid a public rift over preparations for a potential fire and finger-pointing between the chief and City Hall over responsibility for the devastation.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/karen-bass-city-hall-africa-b2702575.html
“Montana farmers are facing a new, life-threatening crisis: ‘It was extremely frightening’…
“Over the past few years, Missoula-area organic farmer Elan Love has faced a barrage of climate-related assaults to his farm, including a severe grasshopper infestation, drought, extreme hail, record-low temperatures, and scorching surface soil temperatures that had his garlic “literally cooking…””
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-business/montana-farmers-mental-health-agriculture-climate-change/
“Kentucky floods: 20 dead as state continues into the ‘stabilization phase’.
“Gov. Andy Beshear shared more sad news Friday as five more people have lost their lives as a result of the weather-related hazards kicked off by the floods that ravaged Kentucky on Sunday.”
“Outcry as Trump withdraws support for research that mentions ‘climate’…
“The US government is withdrawing grants and other support for research that even references the climate crisis, academics have said, amid Donald Trump’s blitzkrieg upon environmental regulations and clean-energy development.”
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/21/trump-scientific-research-climate
“Geoengineering is politically off-limits – could a Trump presidency change that?
“Extreme weather will become harder to ignore. Trump could of course downplay any link to climate change but there’s a chance this might trigger him to decide emergency action is required… After all, he is close to certain tech figures who like big technological solutions to global problems.”
“Injecting solid particles into the stratosphere could mitigate global warming but currently entails great uncertainties…
“With our study we show that consideration of SAI of solid particles… requires coordinated, collaborative laboratory research… Given the large potential of reducing undesirable side-effects on the global environment of this climate intervention, we encourage conducting this research.”
https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02038-1
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You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an “Economic” thread.
We are polluting ourselves to death. The walls are closing in.
“We are polluting ourselves to death.”
It does feel that way with the creeping rise in cancers, autism, ADHD; declining fertility etc, Kali. I was reading the other day that the average person ingests roughly the equivalent weight of a credit card in plastic every week. Yum.
There definitely will come a point when politics, geopolitics, economics won’t matter. As Guy McPherson says, Nature Bats Last. The destruction of the biosphere will be the only thing that matters.
As you say, I’m afraid we can’t keep on gobbling up the fruits of the earth indefinitely, Jpf. The planet’s self-regulating intelligence will redress the balance.
“After all, he is close to certain tech figures who like big technological solutions to global problems”
Yet he/they seem intent on killing us all off?
Are we there yet?
That is a quote for aficionados of Joseph Tainter to conjure with, Mad Hatter. Our “solutions” are looking not just less productive but ever more fraught with collateral risk.
C&E pool – What will be the highest temperature in the Northern Hemisphere this Summer? Winner get to suffer with the rest of us. 😉
Trying to rid the habitat of microplastics is like trying to rake the forest to prevent wildfires.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUEEjAbKhwY
TR, are you talking average highest temperature for the whole of the NH or highest temp in a single location, like, say, Death Valley? I am hoping that the hemisphere as a whole will have calmed down a bit after last summer’s astonishing heat:
“Summer 2024 (June through August) was the warmest summer on record for the Northern Hemisphere, beating the previous record set in 2023 by .66 degrees Celsius, or 1.19 degrees Fahrenheit… The Northern Hemisphere’s top 10 warmest summers on record have all occurred within the past 10 years, according to Copernicus.”
https://abcnews.go.com/US/summer-2024-warmest-record-northern-hemisphere-latest-copernicus/story?id=113415749
Judging by the way the Arctic sea ice has taken a step down, and how the sea surface temperatures are rising, especially the sub-polar Atlantic and Mediterranean, I’d put a bet on “unexpectedly” hot all over, especially Europe.
But the news won’t explain the unexpected
….imagine that …
We have some many unexpected at us it will be some juggling, balancing act on the high wire…truly the razors edge
highest temperature for the whole of the NH
Bet it’s going to be hot.
Brief update on the current science…
https://youtu.be/LrS4PKDln0E?si=2wLEqM68Aige3dMH
Good stuff. Thanks!