Daily updates on climate change and the global economy.

8th June 2023 Today’s Round-Up of Climate News

Global oceans were warmer last month than any other May in records stretching back to the 19th century, the European Union’s climate monitoring unit reported Wednesday…

“Year-round, long-term trends have added 0.6C to the ocean’s surface waters in 40 years, said C3S deputy director Samantha Burgess, noting that April had also seen a new record for heat.”

https://phys.org/news/2023-06-oceans-warmer-month.html


Record hot oceans continue as weather extremes escalate…

The bottom line: It’s become cliche for climate stories to say that we’re in uncharted territory; but in this situation, it bears repeating. We’ve never gone into an expected El Niño event with the oceans already so warm, making them prone to marine heat waves with their associated coral bleaching.”

https://www.axios.com/2023/06/07/el-nino-oceans-extreme-weather


Climate change has a dramatic impact on the global water cycle, say researchers…

“The laws of physics tell us that a warmer atmosphere will absorb more water vapor. Despite this, many regions are expected to suffer from water shortages. Schär explains the apparent paradox: “The absolute moisture content of the atmosphere is rising overall, but relative humidity can also fall regionally. In other words, more water will evaporate from the ground; but at the same time, cloud formation will also decline in certain regions, where there will then be less precipitation.””

https://phys.org/news/2023-06-climate-impact-global.html


This broken record keeps playing as North Atlantic Sea Surface Temperatures keep breaking so significantly.

“Hoping that this is temporary is not a strategy. Ignorance is negligence… I’m feeling more and more like Jennifer Lawrence as Kate Dibiasky in “Don’t Look Up”.

https://twitter.com/LeonSimons8/status/1666474488031002626


New Portuguese record of highest rainfall in 24 hours with huge amounts recorded in Madeira! [Warm Atlantic obviously a factor here.]

– Areeiro: 562.6 mm [22.1 inches]; – Pico Alto: 452.3 mm; – Monte: 350.4 mm; – Bica da Cana: 322.2 mm.”

https://twitter.com/ThierryGooseBC/status/1666092640637710339


Spain registered its hottest spring on record this year, and its second driest ever, the state meteorological agency said Wednesday.

“Rubén Del Campo, spokesman for the Aemet weather agency, said the latest data showed a continuation of the extremely high temperatures the country suffered in 2022, which was the hottest year ever recorded in Spain.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/spain-ap-madrid-mediterranean-europe-b2353030.html


Droughts in East Africa stoke tension between herders and lions [picture is of Loonkiito, one of the world’s oldest wild lions; killed by herders last month].

“A prolonged drought in East Africa has increased lions targeting livestock and causing significant financial losses for herders. In retaliation to recent attacks near Kenya’s Amboseli Park, the Maasai people have killed six wild lions.”

https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2023/0607/Droughts-in-East-Africa-stoke-tension-between-herders-and-lions


Record heat is nearly allover these weeks. Today it was an extreme day like rarely seen before:

49.5C [121F] Turbat in Pakistan – New 2023 World highest temperature; June record heat in India: 43.5C Purnea and 32.2C Tadong; 48.0C Matam in Senegal – RECORD June day in Senegal!” [We’ve seen extended record heat in Senegal and Manipur recently; can’t be helping with the civil unrest in those locations].

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1666514705215528992


Skies turn dark as heavy dust storm engulfs parts of Rajasthan.

“Several parts of Rajasthan saw skies turning dark on Tuesday afternoon as a fierce dust storm hit some places. The dust storm was coming from the north-west direction. The affected places include Churu, Taranagar, Sardarshahar, and Rajgarh.”

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rajasthan-weather-rain-dust-storm-rajgarh-churu-district-2389523-2023-06-06


Chinese President Xi Jinping calls for greater efforts to fight desertification after climate change leads to spike in dust clouds.

“The Chinese leader says the country’s policies have been having an effect but warns that a sustained, long-term effort is still needed to fight the problem. More incidents have been recorded in the past couple of years, including major storms that affected vast areas of the country.”

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3223297/chinese-president-xi-jinping-calls-greater-efforts-fight-desertification-after-climate-change-leads


Heat wave: Mercury to rise up to 47 Degrees Celsius [116.6F] in East Telangana [India] till June 10.

“As part of the ongoing severe heat wave conditions, temperatures are likely to rise up to 47 Degrees Celsius in East Telangana from Wednesday till June 10, 2023. T Balaji, popularly known as Telangana Weatherman, tweeted to this effect predicting the record temperatures in the eastern region of the state.

https://www.newstap.in/telangana/heat-wave-mercury-to-rise-up-to-47-degrees-celsius-in-east-telangana-till-june-10-1479573


Wet bulb temperature crosses safe threshold in Chennai [Chennai famous for running dry in 2019, of course].

“According to Poovulagin Nanbargal, an environmental organisation, that has a wet bulb temperature at its office, the wet bulb temperature in Chennai was registered at 31.3 degree Celsius which is higher than the safe threshold of 30 degree Celsius, on Sunday.”

https://www.dtnext.in/news/city/wet-bulb-temperature-crosses-safe-threshold-in-chennai-716942


Dharan sub-metropolis [Nepal] hit by severe water shortage amid continued heat wave.

“On Tuesday, the Dharan-based BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences postponed all classes for a week because of a severe water crisis. The institute does not have an adequate water supply for the hospital and its college buildings.”

https://kathmandupost.com/province-no-1/2023/06/08/dharan-sub-metropolis-hit-by-severe-water-shortage-amid-continued-heat-wave


Bangladesh shuts schools, cuts power in longest heatwave in decades…

“We have never seen such a prolonged heatwave since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971,” said Bazlur Rashid, a senior official at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. Tens of thousands of primary schools were shut down by the government, and electricity production has been drastically cut…”

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230607-bangladesh-shuts-schools-cuts-power-in-longest-heatwave-in-decades


Epic day! Over 40C [104F] in Siberia, dozens of records obliterated.

Over 45C [113F] in China and 43C in Kazakhstan north of 45 latitude. A historic heat wave which is rewriting world climatic history which is set to get much worse. We might see close to 50C in China, yes FIFTY you read it.

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1666439634941796366


Record event in Siberia in its worst heat wave in history. Dozens of records fell, the most important all time records today:

“39.6 Baevo [103.3F]; 38.5 Barnaul; 38.1 Ordynskoe tie; 37.3 Novosibirsk; 37.2 Toguchin; 36.4 Mariinsk; 36.1 Masljanino tie; 35.6 Tomsk tie; 35.4 Tjuhtet;
35.1 Bogotol.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1666483367850778624


Rain is expected to intensify again in the areas hit by record rainfall last weekend [Japan]. Even small amounts of rain can heighten the risk of mudslides.

“In the 24-hour period through Friday morning, rainfall of 200 millimeters is forecast in southern Kyushu and Shikoku, 180 millimeters in Kinki, 150 millimeters in Tokai and northern Kyushu and 120 millimeters in Kanto-Koshin and the Amami region.”

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230608_05/


Victorian town of Ballarat [Australia] records wettest June day in over a century of records [it also had its wettest spring on record at the end of 2022].

“A large rain band delivered a downpour across most of Victoria overnight, with Ballarat recording 46.2mm of rain to 9am today. The previous wettest June day in the regional town was on June 10, when 29.7mm of rain fell.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/victoria-weather-ballarat-break-100-year-old-june-rain-record-46mm-in-24-hours/5a035978-aa4f-4e4b-9a58-fed2ff5556a1


More and more record warmth in Australia.

“16 more stations today set a record of highest Tmin. in June,including long POR stations like Gabo Island with 16.7C [62.1F], Jabiru with 26.3C, Rutherglen with 14.0C and others.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1666599627091505153


‘Exacerbated by climate change’ – NZ experiences warmest May on record.

“New Zealand has experienced the warmest May on record, with temperatures at least 2 degrees Celsius higher than average in parts of every region, except Northland. The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) said the nationwide average temperature was 13.1C.”

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/491540/exacerbated-by-climate-change-nz-experiences-warmest-may-on-record


Record heat all over the Caribbeans:

The Dutch island of Saba with 33.4C [92.1F] just recorded its hottest June day in history and second hottest for any month of the year, after the records in Bonaire and Aruba. Nearly allover the Caribbeans temperatures are at record levels. Historic.

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1666158230953775104


125-degree heat index: Puerto Rico faces ‘dangerous situation’ due to record-breaking conditions…

“The tropical island already experienced record-breaking minimum and maximum temperatures for this time of year on Monday and Tuesday, when it jumped to 95 degrees. But the heat index, which measures how temperatures feel like to the human body, surpassed 120 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday in parts of Puerto Rico, even peaking to 125 in the northern towns.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/puerto-rico-faces-dangerous-situation-record-breaking-heat-rcna88168


Intense fires threaten water supply and habitats in Mexico’s Pico de Orizaba.

“For four days in February an intense forest fire ravaged the border of Pico de Orizaba National Park in Mexico, with 40% of the affected area lying inside the protected park, preliminary data show. Inhabitants of communities in the region say they fear forest fires will impact their water supply…”

https://news.mongabay.com/2023/06/intense-fires-threaten-water-supply-and-habitats-in-mexicos-pico-de-orizaba/


Oregon snowpack falls below average after hottest May on record.

“Like water melting from a frozen peak and running into a stream, Oregon’s snowpack has been sliding downhill for the past several weeks. Less than two months ago, the entire state had above-average snowpack… Now, on June 6, 2023, the state snowpack map shows a very different picture…”

https://www.koin.com/weather/oregon-snowpack-falls-below-average-after-hottest-may-on-record/


High plains drought ravages Oklahoma, Kansas wheat farms…

Kansas flour mills will likely buy wheat grown in Eastern Europe. It’s like Texas importing oil, West Virginia hauling in coal, or the Saudis shipping in sand. Aaron Harries, Vice President of Research and Operations at Kansas Wheat, said it’s never happened before.”

https://www.kosu.org/energy-environment/2023-06-06/high-plains-drought-ravages-oklahoma-kansas-wheat-farms


New York City tops world’s worst air pollution list from Canada wildfire smoke.

“New York City’s air pollution ranked the worst of any city in the world on Wednesday as wildfire smoke from Canada continued to drift over the area, creating a second day of orange haze over the city and prompting some residents to wear face masks outdoors.”

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/07/canadian-wildfire-smoke-nyc-residents-urged-to-stay-inside.html


Wildfires halt mining operations in Canada.

“Intense wildfires have hit Canada this year, with Quebec being the worst-affected region. The government has closed access to several roads across Quebec and many mining companies have had to temporarily curtail their operations.”

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/wildfires-halt-mining-operations-canada-2023-06-06/


‘Nobody wanted to move’: An Alaskan village forced to relocate due to climate change.

“Newtok, a small village on Alaska’s west coast, is being forced to move because of the melting permafrost and erosion that have been threatening residents for 20 years. Our Observer grew up in Newtok and is one of the last residents who have not yet been relocated.”

https://observers.france24.com/en/tv-shows/the-observers/20230607-nobody-wanted-to-move-an-alaskan-village-forced-to-relocate-due-to-climate-change


Too late now to save Arctic summer ice, climate scientists find.

“Analysis shows that even if greenhouse gas emissions are sharply reduced, the Arctic will be ice-free in September in coming decades. The study also shows that if emissions decline slowly or continue to rise, the first ice-free summer could be in the 2030s…”

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/06/too-late-now-to-save-arctic-summer-ice-climate-scientists-find


A ‘warm up’ to COP28: UN climate talks kick off in Germany with no final agenda.

“The Bonn Climate Change Conference is seen as a mid-way check for how international climate talks will take shape in December… The lack of a plan is clouding optimism that the 10-day meeting will result in a clear programme for the COP28 conference in Dubai.”

https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/06/06/a-warm-up-to-cop28-un-climate-talks-kick-off-in-germany-with-no-final-agenda


You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.

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6th June 2023 Today’s Round-Up of Climate News

After a short break, two more “triple record” days:

Record high Sea Surface Temperatures
Record high global air temperatures
Record low global sea-ice extent

“This now happed 5 days of the past two weeks. And El Niño hasn’t even (officially) started yet.”

https://twitter.com/LeonSimons8/status/1665676718416207872


NASA Global Net Flux is reaching record levels again. With the next two months it might reach 1.8 W/m²…

NASA data shows our Earth is heating at unprecedented speed

“That’s a lot of additional energy in the Earth’s system, available to heat oceans, land and atmosphere, melt ice and increase sea levels.”

https://twitter.com/LeonSimons8/status/1665263377705254912


Carbon dioxide soars to a new record in Earth’s atmosphere as climate change continues unabated.

“The carbon dioxide (CO2) level measured in May in Hawaii averaged 424 parts per million, NOAA said. That’s 3 parts per million more than last year’s May average and 51% higher than pre-industrial levels of 280 ppm. It also represents the fourth-largest annual increase on record.”

https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/06/05/climate-change-carbon-dioxide-soars-to-record-high-in-earths-atmosphere/70289362007/


Forecasters warn of unpredictability, weather ‘chaos’ as El Niño develops…

“Jennifer Francis, a climate scientist at the Woods Hole Research Center, warned in a recent podcast to “expect chaos,” especially if this El Niño turns out strong. “We have not had a strong El Niño in conjunction with ocean heat wave in the North Pacific, in conjunction with an Atlantic Ocean [where] the temperatures are almost off the charts,” she said.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/06/05/el-nio-forecast-climate-chaos/


World climatic history writes a new incredible page today with an extreme heat wave in Siberia.

Temperatures exceeded 38C between lat 55N/57N. 38.3C [100.9F] Kurgan; 37.9C Jalturovosk – hottest day in history! (for any month); 36.8C Tjumen June record; 36.2C Vikulovo June record. etc”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1665030325062316033


Record-breaking heat in N.W.T., Nunavut, has ‘scary’ implications for land users…

Consider the communities where May was the hottest ever on record again. The margin of difference between what happened in May this year and what is considered average is wide: it was 7 degrees warmer in Arviat, Baker Lake and Yellowknife, 6 degrees warmer in Rankin Inlet and Fort Simpson, and 4 degrees warmer in Fort Liard.”

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/spring-temperatures-1.6864652


You guessed it: May was the hottest on record for much of Alberta, including Edmonton…

“It’s official — it was the hottest May on record for several parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and not by a small margin. Edmonton was one of nine communities that broke records for May, with average temperatures close to six degrees above normal.”

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/you-guessed-it-may-was-the-hottest-on-record-for-much-of-alberta-including-edmonton-1.6863755


Canada on track for its worst-ever wildfire season.

“Canada is on track for its worst-ever year of wildfire destruction as warm and dry conditions are forecast to persist through to the end of the summer after an unprecedented start to the fire season, officials said on Monday.”

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canada-track-its-worst-ever-wildfire-season-2023-06-05/


Canadian province of Quebec looks for international support to fight wildfires…

“With more than 480 wilderness firefighters on the ground, Quebec can fight around 30 fires, François Legault told reporters Monday, adding that normally firefighters would come from other provinces to help. “When I talk to the premiers of other provinces, they have their hands full,” Legault told a briefing in Quebec City.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/quebec-ap-montreal-french-quebec-city-b2352005.html


Clumps of 5,000-mile seaweed blob bring flesh-eating bacteria to Florida.

“…giant clumps of the 13m-ton morass labeled the Great Atlantic sargassum belt are washing up on Florida’s beaches, scientists are warning of a real-life threat from the piles of decomposing algae, namely high levels of the flesh-eating Vibrio bacteria lurking in the vegetation.”

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/03/sargassum-seaweed-algae-florida-bacteria-vibrio


“We didn’t have to wait very long!

At 0.902°C above the 1982-2023 mean, today’s North Atlantic Sea Surface Temperature just set a new record for the most above average of any day since [records began in] January 1, 1982.”

[We also have reconstructed data going back 170 years and this is the strongest anomaly in that time]

https://twitter.com/EliotJacobson/status/1665803092192026624


At least 42 dead, thousands homeless in Haiti after a weekend of heavy rains, flooding.

“A weekend of torrential rains and widespread flooding in Haiti have left at least 42 people dead, 11 missing and some 19,000 homeless, the government’s disaster response agency said.”

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article276100501.html


Storms set to end record-breaking dry spell in northern France [You may recall that France had its longest ever winter dry spell back in Jan/Feb].

“Paris, Lille and Nantes have not seen any rain for more than three weeks – the longest dry spell for this time of year since 1949.”

https://www.connexionfrance.com/article/French-news/Storms-set-to-end-record-breaking-dry-spell-in-northern-France


Wildfire on German military training site contaminated with ammunition.

“Strong winds have fanned flames at a wildfire on a German military training site that is known to contain large amounts of ammunition, causing it to double in size, officials said Monday. The fire near Jueterbog, south of Berlin, had been simmering for days…”

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/wildfire-german-military-training-site-contamined-ammunition-99843070


Spain frets over German threat to boycott ‘drought strawberries’… The dispute is rooted in legislation proposed by the conservative government of Andalusia, which critics say would legalise as many as 1,000 illegal wells used by farmers and threaten to drain one of Europe’s most important wetlands, Doñana.”

https://www.ft.com/content/2081f8af-3776-43d5-bad8-be8d0f406886


Floods in Northwestern Bulgaria caused severe Damages.

“The intensive rains in North-West Bulgaria caused severe damage in the region. Several important roads and some villages were flooded, reported bTV and Nova TV. People from the Mezdra village of Rebarkovo are without water and electricity…”

https://www.novinite.com/articles/220382/Floods+in+Northwestern+Bulgaria+caused+severe+Damages


Floods kill 2 as heavy rain hits northern provinces [Turkey]…

“As the sudden downpour hit Samsun, the soil was washed away by the flood from high areas and the district center was covered with mud, while some vehicles had difficulty in moving due to flooding. The ground floors of houses and workplaces were flooded.”

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/floods-kill-2-as-heavy-rain-hits-northern-provinces-183722


Monster heat wave in Southern Africa:

National monthly records of highest temperatures: in Mauritius: 32.4C at Agalega, 2 June; Botswana: 35.1C Mababe, 3 June; In Mozambique hottest June day at Beira with 34.2C [93.6F].

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1665274691765026817


Historic winter heat in Southern Africa, records fall every day everywhere

Mauritius: 32.9 [91.2F] Agalega – New June national record! Zambia: 33.1 Sesheke; 32.6 Mongu. South Africa: 34.9 Thohoyandou; 34.7 Levubu; 34.6 Hoedspruit; 34.3 Punda Maria; 33.3 Mara; 31.9 Ellisras; 30.3 Towoomba.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1665787351648333824


More Records in Asia, now Indian Ocean:

The Indian Island of Amini Divi in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep rose to 37.6C [99.7F] yesterday, which is a new record for June and 0.1C from all time high set on 30 April 1960.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1665252041894010882


Flood-hit Pakistanis still waiting on promised rebuild.

“Noor Bibi lost her mother, her daughter and the roof over her head in the catastrophic floods that drowned Pakistan last summer. One year later she remains homeless, living with the remnants of her family in spartan tents marking where the village of Sohbat Khosa was gutted by the deluge in southern Sindh province.”

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230606-flood-hit-pakistanis-still-waiting-on-promised-rebuild


Record heat in Eastern India.

The town of Imphal, the capital of the State of Manipur rose to 35.9C [96.6F] which is its hottest day in history. The all time record had been already tied few weeks ago.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1665694524717297668


The Bangladesh Education Ministry has announced a four-day closure of government primary schools across the country because of the ongoing heatwave.

“The Ministry noted the decision was taken considering the health and safety of the children, reports Xinhua news agency.”

https://in.investing.com/news/primary-schools-in-bdesh-shut-due-to-heatwave-3672014


Extreme weather threatens China’s food security, with forecasts of summer droughts and floods.

“Government analysis says heavy rain could hit grain producers in northeast while eastern provinces may see typhoon-related disasters. Meanwhile, southwestern regions could experience 20 to 50 per cent drop in rainfall, agencies warn.”

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3222902/extreme-weather-threatens-chinas-food-security-ministries-predict-summer-droughts-and-floods


A landslide tore through a mining company’s worker dormitory early Sunday morning in southwestern China, killing 19 people, authorities said.

“The disaster struck in a mountainous rural district of Sichuan province’s Leshan county, where rains have been falling constantly for weeks.

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/14-dead-5-missing-southwest-china-landslide-99820632


Flash floods turn Dong Nai town into mayhem [Vietnam].

“Furniture and appliance scatter around inside Tinh’s house… “This area has never suffered such flash floods before and none of us here has prepared for this situation. We were all caught off guard,” said 60-year-old Tinh.”

https://e.vnexpress.net/photo/environment/flash-floods-turn-dong-nai-town-into-mayhem-4613716.html


Indonesia braces for forest fires, crop loss from severe dry season.

“Indonesia is expecting a severe dry season from the impact of the El Nino weather pattern, threatening harvests and raising the risks of forest fires, the head of its weather agency said on Tuesday.”

https://news.yahoo.com/indonesia-braces-forest-fires-crop-064319463.html


Dry Weather to Slash Australia’s Next Wheat Crop by a Third

“Australia’s wheat production is forecast to slump 34% in the coming season as the development of El Niño is likely to suppress rainfall across large swaths of the country, the government crop forecaster said.”

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/dry-weather-set-slash-australia-140100309.html


New day new records in Australia.

“Very warm nights again in Queensland with the highest Min. temperatures on records for June: 17.8C Charleville; 18C [64.4F] Cunnamulla… The city of Adelaide has recorded a provisional Min temp of 17.9C, it’s the highest Min ever recorded in June… Cape Borda with 20.9C beat its June Tmax record again.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1665519992006164480


Six rivers have overflowed and more than 500 people have been evacuated from their homes following 12 hours of rainfall in Ecuador, President Guillermo Lasso has said.

“He wrote on Twitter: “The priority is to save lives, let’s protect them! We have already rescued 500 people and the work continues.””

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-latin-america-65810448


Exceptional heat wave in Mexico.

Guadalajara Airport (1551 asl) rose to an incredible 39.2C [102.6F], its highest temperature on records. Brutal 43.2C at Torreon 1123m) and 38.5C at Durango (1872m). Most Caribbean countries are almost near records.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1665070606029660164


Climate Change Is Drying Out Earth’s Soils.

“When soil moisture is low, evaporation is limited. The conditions of this moisture-limited regime can exacerbate extreme weather events, including droughts and heat waves. In a new study, Hsu et al. quantify how global warming affects soil moisture.”

https://eos.org/research-spotlights/climate-change-is-drying-out-earths-soils


Marine fishes are migrating to polar regions because of global warming.

“Researchers have for the first time conducted a comprehensive global survey of the movement of marine fish populations, examining 595 marine fish population covering 115 species across all major global oceans…”

https://www.news9live.com/science/marine-fishes-are-migrating-to-polar-regions-because-of-global-warming-2167263


Uh, how large is this Antarctic sea ice anomaly going to get?

More visualizations at https://zacklabe.com/antarctic-sea-ice-extentconcentration/. More background on this ongoing extreme event at https://wired.com/story/antarctic-sea-ice-is-at-record-lows-is-it-an-alarming-shift/ and https://abc.net.au/news/2023-05-31/antarctic-sea-ice-hits-another-record-low/102391534.”

https://twitter.com/ZLabe/status/1664414846874537984


Glaciers are losing more mass than either the Greenland or Antarctic ice sheets, according to a recent study published in Nature.

“The study, the first to look at how fast the world’s glaciers are melting, observed about 200,000 glaciers between 2000 and 2019. The researchers found that the annual rates of glacier thinning have nearly doubled, from 36cm in 2000 to 69cm in 2019.”

https://qz.com/where-most-of-the-worlds-glacial-melt-is-happening-1850499768


You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.

If you found value in this content, please help me continue this work by becoming a patron of my work via Patreon. And if you are already a subscriber or have donated – thank you! It is an enormous help as the cost-of-living crisis ratchets up here in the UK.

3rd June 2023 Today’s Round-Up of Climate News

Japan records hottest spring in history, blaming global warming.

“Japan recently witnessed its hottest spring on record, according to the national weather agency. The Japan Meteorological Agency revealed that average temperatures during the months of March, April, and May were 1.59 degrees Celsius (34.9 Fahrenheit) higher than the long-term average.”

https://pakobserver.net/japan-records-hottest-spring-in-history-blaming-global-warming/


Japan storm: one dead and two missing as thousands urged to evacuate…

“With several cities including Toyohashi and Koshigaya near Tokyo reportedly seeing the highest 24-hour rainfall on record, the Japan Meteorological Agency urged residents to “be on high alert for landslides, overflowing rivers and flooding of low-lying areas”.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/03/japan-storm-one-dead-and-two-missing-as-thousands-urged-to-evacuate


‘Linear’ torrential rains double in Japan in 45 years, global warming to blame: study.

“Torrential rains brought on by training “linear precipitation zones” hit Japan in 2020 2.2 times more often than they did 45 years before, and global warming is likely the cause, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)’s Meteorological Research Institute (MRI).”

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230603/p2a/00m/0sc/008000c


Taiwan tribe despairs as drought shrinks bamboo crop.

“Generations of the Tsou tribe have lived off Alishan township’s bamboo forests… but… “the weather in the last few years has really been out of whack,” the 62-year-old tribal chief says. “The rainfall has been delayed and the bamboo shoots’ growth is noticeably affected.”

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/06/02/asia-pacific/taiwan-tribe-drought-destroys-crop/


Pigs, rabbits and fish are dying from searing temperatures in China.

“With parts of China experiencing record high temperatures and heavy rains, reports of farm animals and crops suffering from extreme weather patterns are dominating headlines in the country, raising concerns about food security in the world’s second largest economy.”

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/06/02/business-food/china-animals-crops-extreme-weather-intl-hnk/index.html


It’s really hard no to blow one’s mind with these insane temperatures at high elevations in China like:

42.2C [108F] at 1250m above sea level; 38.3C at 2168m asl; 34.0C at 3260m asl. The world is living something historic – the one shot most intense heat wave ever seen.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1664273355007221772


More Extreme Weather in SE Asia: Hottest June day in History in Hong Kong with 37.9C [100.2F] at Sheng Shui.

“Endless record heat in Thailand (10 weeks breaking records almost daily); Records high for June; 40.0C Tung Chang; 39.5C Tha wang Pha.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/166460841756928409


SE Asia Heat Wave: 13th week of the most brutal never ending heat wave the world has ever seen.

Yesterday 1 June Vietnam recorded its hottest June day in history with 43.8C [110.8F] at Muong La. In Laos and Thailand June records tied at: 37.3C Luang Namtha 37.3C; 39.5C Nong Khai.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/166454237344632013


Street sellers struggle as Hanoi sweats through heatwave…

“Thousands of street vendors, mostly women, in Vietnam’s capital have had no choice but to work through a series of heatwaves that have struck the north of the country in recent weeks. Scientists say global warming is exacerbating adverse weather.”

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/street-sellers-struggle-hanoi-sweats-103918977.html


Australia has recorded its second driest May on record. For Western Australia, it was the driest May on record.”

https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/weather/second-driest-may-on-record-in-australia/video/d98ba23a831bc03c45e28cda4b9a8fb4


Winter is going to be a delight across much of Australia – but a grim new record is expected later in the year…

“Somewhere in Australia is likely to break the country’s all-time record of 50.7 degrees,” said Sky meteorologist Rob Sharpe. “In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s beaten by a few places and we see our first 52 degree [125.6F] day. From a climate perspective it’s almost the perfect set-up.””

https://www.news.com.au/national/everything-you-need-to-know-about-our-winter-weather-and-whats-going-to-happen-next/news-story/24afdb65b512bddc6cc00a34b0fe76fe


Dunedin [NZ] breaks June temperature record.

“Winter, what winter? The first day of the new season arrived not with a chill but a pleasant dose of record-breaking sunshine. Dunedin Airport today recorded a balmy 20.8degC [69.4F], the warmest June temperature since recording began there in 1972.”

https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dunedin-breaks-june-temperature-record


Calendar says winter has arrived in Argentina. Weather conditions say otherwise with not even any resemblance of winter.

“This is [the forecast for] Rosario in the Central Pampa, with even tropical nights possible this week. An insanely warm week is on the cards for most of Argentina. Records can fall.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1664723572407820292


Uruguayans Protest Over Drinking Water Shortage…

“As the South American country struggles with persistent drought, the Uruguayan state-owned company Obras Sanitarias del Estado (OSE), is mixing brackish water from the Rio de la Plata river with its dwindling supplies of fresh water from the Santa Lucia River basin.”

https://www.barrons.com/news/uruguayans-protest-over-drinking-water-shortage-2b006b5b


Panama Canal water levels are dangerously low because of a massive drought and it could mean bad things for global inflation…

“Just as the world’s delivery bottlenecks are easing, Panama’s drought and worrisome weather patterns elsewhere threaten to revive some of the chaos of 2021, when a surge in shipping costs and consumer demand resulted in shortages of goods, helping to drive US inflation to a four-decade high.”

https://fortune.com/2023/06/02/panama-canal-water-levels-drought-inflation/


Arizona sets limits on construction around Phoenix as groundwater dwindles.

“Arizona will not allow new housing construction in the Phoenix area that depends on groundwater, a decision that comes as the state grapples with a multi-decade drought and diminishing water supplies.”

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/02/arizona-sets-construction-limits-in-phoenix-as-groundwater-dwindles.html


Watchdog report cites multiple failures in Buffalo’s response to blizzard that killed 31 people…

“The storm inundated Buffalo with more than 50 inches of snow from during Christmastime, caused snowdrifts of up to 15 feet and killed 15 Erie County residents and 31 people who died in Buffalo’s city limits. The storm included hurricane-force winds, whiteout conditions and wind chill temperatures that reached 30 degrees below zero.”

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/06/02/us/buffalo-blizzard-failures-report/index.html


Crippling heat is forcing northern U.S. schools to close. Again.

“For the second year in a row, a late-spring heat wave is forcing schools in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes to close, send kids home early or shift to remote learning. Climate change is making hot days before the end of the school year more common…”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/06/02/heat-school-closings-northeast-climate/


Record heat also in Vermont. Burlington with 96F [35.6C] has never been that hot so early.

“We need to go to 15 June to find a higher temperature (97F). Only 4 days in history in June has been hotter than today, despite being the 1st of the month.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1664417591719350273


May 2023 in Canada was historic: Record heat swept the country the whole month.

“The East started cool and ended near or just below average. In the West many stations had their warmest May on records with anomalies between +1C and +6C. Exceptional.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1664750674972758017


‘Unprecedented’ Canadian fires intensified by record heat, climate change…

“It’s already a wildfire season for the record books in Canada, with the blistering heat of summer and howling winds of fall still ahead. About 200 wildfires are currently burning across the country, and more than half are out of control.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/06/02/canada-wildfires-record-heat-climate/


Nova Scotia hopes forecast rain will help contain largest wildfire on record…

“The huge Barrington Lake fire in Nova Scotia’s south-west is now considered the province’s largest wildfire on record. Burning more than 200 square kilometers (more than 75 sq miles) in Shelburne county, the blaze continues to withstand round after round of water-bombers and air tankers dropping water and fire retardant from the cloudy skies.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/02/nova-scotia-wildfires-rain-canada


Extreme heat wave in Siberia: Crazy temperatures day and night

“38.1C [100.6F] Zabelovka lat 52; 36.7C Kurgan lat. 55; 36.4C Isim lat 56; 35.7C Majsk lat 57; 34.3C Novyj Vasyugan lat. 58 after a tropical night. Even more insane Makusino lat 55N Tmin 23.1C Tmax 35.6C. Next days much worse!”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1664674878274822145


Western Lapland chilled by Finland’s coldest-ever June temperature.

“A weather station near Lapland’s Saana fell recorded a chilling -7.7 degrees Celsius [18.1F] on Thursday. Saana fell is in the municipality of Enontekiö, in western Lapland. The Finnish Meteorological Institute said on Twitter that this is the coldest reading ever recorded in Finland in the month of June.”

https://yle.fi/a/74-20034681


Northern Ireland potato crops being hit by changing weather…

“A dry February allowed farmers to plant their early crops but then the rain came. And now there is not enough of it… “The weather seems to come in blocks now – it’s dry for a longer period, then it’s wet for a longer period.”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-65778102


The month of May was the warmest at seven stations across Ireland. Warmest temperatures were recorded at Moore Park, Co Cork with a mean temperature of 13.2C [55.8F], Oak Park, Co Carlow with 13.1C and Phoenix Park, Co Dublin with 12.9C.”

https://www.farmersjournal.ie/last-month-was-the-warmest-may-on-record-768284


[UK] Fewer bugs this summer because their larvae died in last year’s drought, experts say…

““The drought last year in particular, is a concern,” said Matt Shardlow, the CEO of Buglife, which conducts an annual survey on bug numbers. “In the southeast, where it was driest for longest, very low numbers are being reported by people,” he said.”

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/environment/2023/06/02/fewer-bugs-summer-because-larvae-died-last-years-drought/


Rainfall records have been smashed in the Murcia region [of Spain] with the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) saying that it was the wettest May in the area since 1941.

“Further north in Alicante province, it’s been the highest recorded May for rainfall since 1982… despite the recent rains, the area is still in a prolonged period of drought.”

https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2023/06/01/may-rainfall-records-tumble-in-spains-costa-blanca-and-murcia-areas/


New month, new record….

Hottest June day on records in Botswana with 33.9C [93F] at Mababe today. Next days Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mauritius and perhaps Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique can also beat historic records for June. Southern Hemisphere must wait to see any trace of winter…”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1664343096115568640


Huge sandstorm sweeps across Suez Canal in Egypt

“A video posted online shows a sandstorm surrounding the Suez Canal, which led to authorities closing two ports. Parts of Egypt have been hit by clouds of dust and sand. One person died and five others were injured on Thursday, when a billboard collapsed as a result of the sandstorm…”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-africa-65788250


60 Wildfires Scorch Across Israel as New Heat Records Set.

“‘There is no doubt that this is one of the most extreme events we’ve experienced at this time of year’ says meteorological service official, as towns reach hottest recorded June days [“Temperature reached 45.3C at Tszivi Station below sea level but also 43.8C at Beit Dagan which is a new record for June,” says extremetemps].”

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-06-02/ty-article/.premium/160-wildfires-scorch-across-israel-as-new-heat-records-set/00000188-7c87-d4df-a39c-ffdfba370000


Iraq’s oil boom blamed for worsening water crisis in drought-hit south.

“Western oil companies are exacerbating water shortages and causing pollution in Iraq as they race to profit from rising oil prices after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Water scarcity has already displaced thousands and increased instability…”

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/03/iraqs-oil-boom-blamed-for-worsening-water-crisis-in-drought-hit-south


While SE Asia (Thailand,Laos,China) is beating records heat like crazy today (yes, again…), Pakistan had records of low temperatures for June:

“17.8C [64F] Lahore; 17.5C Bahawalnagar; 18.5C Multan. Cool and rainy starts of June in Kashmir and Rajastan too.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1664243723121704960


World’s wheat supply at risk of a dangerous shock due to heat and drought, study warns…

“The research, published Friday in the journal npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, assesses a worst-case scenario in which extreme weather hits two breadbasket regions in the same year, hammering winter wheat crops in both the U.S. Midwest and northeastern China.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/wheat-supply-at-risk-climate-change-rcna86911


El Niño may push heating past 1.5C but urgent action could avert catastrophe…

“Scientists know there are “tipping points” within the climate system, when warming triggers a cascade of impacts – for instance, the melting of the ice caps, or the point at which a drying Amazon turns from rainforest to savannah. More of these tipping points are likely to be triggered, the higher temperature goes.”

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/02/el-nino-may-push-heating-past-15c-urgent-action-avert-catastrophe


You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an “Economic” thread.

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1st June 2023 Today’s Round-Up of Climate News

Extraordinary day in China: 44.4C [111.9F] at 900m above sea level, 116 monthly records broken/tied (more than 500 in 3 days), of which 39 had their hottest day for any month.

“That’s plus hundreds of records of highest Tmins and many more set earlier this month. Nearly 1000 records only in China.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1663926782251216896


Courtesy of Macao Meteorological Service this totally insane MINIMUM temperatures [up to 31.9C / 89.4F] at Macau today, the warmest night ever seen in climatic history not just for May but for any month.

“Macao climatic data is >140 years old in the Observatory.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1663859090999615488


‘Granary of China’ braces for more wheat-damaging rain.

“China’s largest wheat-growing province of Henan is expected to be hit by more rain in the coming days, state forecasters said on Thursday, complicating efforts to harvest grain already damaged by wetter than normal weather in late May.”

https://www.reuters.com/world/china/granary-china-braces-more-wheat-damaging-rain-2023-06-01/


What Japan is living is historic: Heat records fall every single day (and night, records of highest Tmins also fall):

“Today again temperatures up to 33C [91.4F] with the most important records include: 32.9C Kiire; 31.7C Shibushi. More records coming; that’s like a daily routine.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1663477785405321216


Historic day in Myanmar. Records of highest temperatures in history keep falling: 42.3C Hkmati / 108.1F] (Sagaing State) new all time high, record was set yesterday; 41.8C Myitkyna (Kachin State) new all time high, previous 41.5C in May 1979.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1663895281220370433


‘Perfect storm of chaos’: A week after Typhoon Mawar, most of Guam still without basic services.

“One week after typhoon Mawar ripped through the US territory of Guam, most parts of the island were still without power, water, and internet, with residents frustrated by the government’s slow response to the crisis.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/01/perfect-storm-of-chaos-a-week-after-typhoon-mawar-most-of-guam-still-without-basic-services


Pigeon Hole flood evacuees living in Yarralin tent camp [NT, Australia] with no date to return home.

“Three months after the remote Northern Territory community of Pigeon Hole was severely flooded, residents are still living in tents and have no clear idea about when they will be able to return home.”

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-31/nt-remote-flood-evacuees-yarralin-tent-camp-no-return-home-date/102410196


Hokitika, New Zealand, has just had its wettest May since [records began in] 1866.

“Hokitika weather observer Mark Crompton said as well as being the wettest May there since the town was founded, it was also one of the warmest. For the month, Hokitika measured 609mm of rain — more than double the May average of 271mm.”

https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/west-coast/wettest-may-record-hokitika


A flood-hit resident of Waihi Beach has described returning home to find water rising inside and says it has never flooded like this in his 30 years of living there…

“The council estimates 60mm of rain fell in an hour, causing flooding that forced up to 50 people from their homes, with 27 people evacuated and elderly residents rescued by firefighters…”

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/waihi-beach-flooding-resident-of-30-years-says-it-has-never-flooded-like-this-before/HNNXCPTRXRFVRL556SJMBYC2WU/


Peru battles record dengue outbreak, in a warning for a warming world.

“Peru is taking extraordinary measures such as banning households from filling vases with water, as it battles its worst dengue outbreak on record, a crisis that experts have linked to increased rainfall and warmer temperatures as the climate changes… As of Monday, the South American nation has recorded more than 110,000 probable cases of dengue this year…”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/31/peru-dengue-fever-climate-change/


The farmers dealing with water shortages even before historic Colorado River deal.

“Nancy Caywood worries about water constantly. Water – or the uncertainty of it – has kept the 69-year-old Arizona farmer awake at night since supplies began dwindling about two decades ago due to chronic overuse and drought in the American west.”

https://www.theguardian.com/global/2023/may/31/arizona-farmers-water-colorado-river-cuts


100-year flash flood leaves Hereford, Texas, underwater.

“After months of severe drought, the floodgates have opened for many areas of the High Plains, creating new challenges. Hereford, Texas, one of the largest cattle feeding areas in the U.S., saw historic rainfall this month when 8-10 inches of rain accumulated in the Texas Panhandle town.”

https://www.hpj.com/ag_news/100-year-flash-flood-leaves-hereford-texas-underwater/article_3943e04c-ff3a-11ed-9362-87d8f307110f.html


Spokane [Washington] just had the warmest May since the National Weather service began tracking temperatures in 1881…

It is the fourth time the city has broken a highest average monthly temperature record in two years. Since 2021, records have been set for May, July, August and October.”

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/may/31/spokane-breaks-another-monthly-weather-record-with/


Driest May weather on record; Farmers find creative ways to protect crop.

“The Philadelphia area received less than a quarter of an inch of rain all month. On average, we should be finishing up with a little over three inches. “With a spring like this year, we’re watering every day, whereas in the past it may be only two to three times a week,” Jarvis said.”

https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/driest-may-weather-on-record-farmers-find-creative-ways-to-protect-crops/


Bermuda receives record May rainfall.

“The wettest May in 74 years has been recorded by the Bermuda Weather Service. A succession of “very large and wet” low-pressure systems kept a conveyor belt of rain pushing across Bermuda from May 22, according to Michelle Pitcher, the BWS director.”

https://www.royalgazette.com/weather/news/article/20230530/bermuda-receives-record-rainfall-in-may/


‘Unprecedented’ Nova Scotia wildfires expected to worsen, officials warn.

“Officials in the province of Nova Scotia say unprecedented wildfires that have forced thousands from their homes will keep growing despite the “water, raw muscle power and air power” deployed by fire crews.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/31/nova-scotia-wildfires-canada


This exceptionally warm May in Canada has been breaking records since the first to the last day and today it ends with many more stations having their hottest May day in history:

“33.7C [92.7F] Bathurst; 33.6C Charlo; 33.0C Gaspe; 32.6C Onatchiway; 28.8C Wabush lake (tied); 30.7C Lac Benoit.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1664068604080406528


How bout hanging out on the beach in balmy 30°C [86F], in the Arctic, overlooking the sea ice. Just beware the polar bears sharing that sweet spot with you. Here’s the south end of Hudson Bay on May 30th.”

https://twitter.com/IceGoingSouth/status/1663710355716030465


Warm spell in Iceland.

“Yesterday with fohn winds the temperatures in the North rose as high as 22.0C [71.6F] between 4am and 5am in the morning!

Some stations with short POR broke their records of warmest May temperatures.

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1663987175573078017


Two firefighters airlifted to hospital as crews battle wildfire near Cannich in Scottish Highlands.

“It comes after the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) warned of a “very high risk” of wildfires across the country due to the warm weather. Emergency crews were alerted to the fire at a farm near Cannich on Sunday afternoon.”

https://news.sky.com/story/firefighters-battle-wildfire-near-cannich-in-the-scottish-highlands-12893027


England ‘not ready’ to respond to extreme heatwaves this summer – and resources are at ‘breaking point’.

“In addition to excess deaths, they are warning of economic shocks and a “breakdown in public services” should the country experience more very high temperatures either this year or in the future. Last July, the UK recorded a temperature above 40C [104F] for the first time ever…”

https://news.sky.com/story/england-not-ready-to-respond-to-extreme-heatwaves-this-summer-and-resources-are-at-breaking-point-12893810


Storms lash drought-hit Spain.

Experts said the torrential rains—which tend to trickle off instead of seeping into the ground—were insufficient to end the deficit in Spain’s water reservoirs. Spain’s reservoirs, which store rainwater for use in drier months, were at just 47.5 percent of their capacity during the final week of May, down slightly from 47.7 percent during the previous week…”

https://phys.org/news/2023-05-storms-lash-drought-hit-spain.html


Extreme rainfall in Turkey floods streets, properties.

“Torrential rains have paralyzed daily life in Türkiye, while vehicles were submerged in rainwater and floods damaged citizens’ properties in several provinces.”

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/extreme-rainfall-in-country-floods-streets-properties-183571


Heavens finally open over Nelson Mandela Bay [South Africa] — city on track for record May rainfall.

After eight years of drought, the rain finally came. Garth Sampson from the South African Weather Office said last week the metro had received 167.6mm. This surpassed the previous record for autumn rain, set in 2007, of 165mm.”

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-05-30-heavens-finally-open-over-nelson-mandela-bay-city-on-track-for-record-may-rainfall/


Cyclones and Interest Rates Fuel an African Debt Crisis…

“This year, cyclones and torrential rains lashed Mozambique, Malawi and eastern South Africa, destroying crops and infrastructure in what’s becoming an annual pattern.”

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2023-05-30/cyclones-and-high-interest-rates-fuel-an-african-debt-crisis


Iran’s share of Helmand River water blocked by Afghanistan’s dams: Images.

“Satellite images reveal how the interim government in Afghanistan is blocking the flow of Helmand River, a lifeline for residents of Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan Province, into the other side of border, by building several dams on the river.”

https://ifpnews.com/iran-share-helmand-river-water-blocked-afghanistans-dams/


Concerns voiced over water shortages [Pakistan]…

“Serious concern at the water shortage in the country echoed during the meeting of National Assembly Standing Committee on Water Resources… The Committee reviewed water scarcity and continued conflict between Sindh and Punjab as a Special Committee led by Khalid Magsi also failed to present any solution to the conflict on water distribution and losses.”

https://www.brecorder.com/news/40245326


‘In a hot oven’: India heatwaves take a toll on most vulnerable.

“Recurring heatwaves in India’s capital New Delhi have taken their toll on construction worker Mamta as she labours and sweats through a gruelling 12-hour work day. “In the afternoon, the situation is terrible. You feel like you are in a hot oven,” Mamta told Al Jazeera…”

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/30/in-a-hot-oven-india-heatwaves-take-a-toll-on-most-vulnerable


India didn’t miss the “party” of record heat. The 7 sister States are with extreme heat wave and records level in some areas.

The town of Imphal in the State of Manipur today had its hottest May day on records and tied its all time record of the hottest day in history with 35.8C [96.4F].”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1663571452245803008


Monster heat wave in Russia and adjacent countries. In the Caspian area, temperatures rose >40C in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.

Minimum temperature was 29.4C [84.9F] at Turkmenbashi! Absolutely unprecedented heat, never seen before. The heat spread all over in Siberia to the Arctic Circle.

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1663595487746727936


Record heat also in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Azeri capital Baku rose to an impressive 36.9C [98.4F] in its Bine Airport, this is the warmest May day in history of the capital.

“In the Republic of Georgia hottest May day on records at Bolnisi with 33.0C (534m above sea level).”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1663627088207790082


Earth past its safe limits for humans, scientists say.

“The research, published in the journal Nature on Wednesday, identified eight earth system boundaries that included climate, biodiversity, water, natural ecosystems, land use and the effect of fertilisers and aerosols. Human activities had pushed seven of these boundaries beyond their “safe and just limit” into risk zones…”

https://www.ft.com/content/b59f9fea-500c-43c0-9b70-f0f7e866fd0e


Reduced emissions during the pandemic led to increased climate warming, reveals study…

The results show that a complete phasing out of fossil fuel combustion in favor of renewable energy sources with zero emissions could result in rapid “unmasking” of aerosols, while greenhouse gases linger.

https://phys.org/news/2023-05-emissions-pandemic-climate-reveals.html


You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.

If you found value in this content, please help me continue this work by becoming a patron of my work via Patreon. And if you are already a subscriber or have donated – thank you! It is an enormous help as the cost-of-living crisis ratchets up here in the UK.

30th May 2023 Today’s Round-Up of Climate News

“Extreme heat events have now become the new normal.

“Since the first day of 2023, extreme heat events have increased the threat to human health and the environment… Unlike gradual global warming which many people expect, extreme heat events have raised temperatures to historical highs in many places.”

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202305/29/WS6473dd60a310b6054fad5766.html


Shanghai has recorded its hottest day in May in 100 years at 36.7C (98F), shattering the previous high by a full degree.

“Scientists say global warming is exacerbating adverse weather with many countries experiencing deadly heatwaves and temperatures hitting records across Southeast and South Asia in recent weeks.”

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/29/shanghai-records-hottest-day-in-may-in-100-years


Insane Heat wave in China

“Over 130 stations in 10 provinces broke their May records including Shanghai with 36.7C. 43.0C [109.4F] at Qiaojia in Yunnan, 41.1C at Ningnan in Sichuan. 40C was recorded at 1254m asl at Dongchuan! Zhaotong, Puge and Zhaoiue had their hottest days for any month.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1663150943091806214


More Records in Japan:

“Yesterday highest minimum temperatures for May beaten in 4 stations, the most important: 20.9C [69.6F] Agenosho (Yamaguchi); 18.6C Kyogo (Tokushima). More records can fall today. In the past 15 months Japan beat heat records every single month, many months by hundreds.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1663332406709952512


The heat in Thai capital Bangkok is unprecedented. In May 2023 so far the average monthly temperature has been 33.3C [91.9F], the hottest on records.

“Min temperatures are still near 30C and max. near 40C and things might get worse next days and records will fall again. THI will rise >55C [131F].”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1662407787593322496


Bangladesh inequality on the rise thanks to climate change, Covid, inflation: UN expert.

“Bangladesh must focus on reducing income inequality as climate change, high inflation and the persistent effects of the pandemic have sank millions into the ranks of the “new poor”, according to a United Nations poverty expert.”

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3222252/bangladesh-inequality-rise-thanks-climate-change-covid-inflation-un-expert


Study: Highest glacier on Everest melting at alarming rate.

“There is rising anxiety about temperatures as the climbing community gets ready to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the ascent of Mount Everest. The world’s tallest peak is seeing either rising glacier melting or increasingly severe and unreliable weather.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbLG1KT-wDU


Two million litres of water drained from reservoir in search for phone dropped by Indian official taking selfie.

“The waterlogged phone was recovered, but would not switch on… India is one of the world’s most water-stressed countries and extreme temperatures have led to severe water scarcity, causing crop losses, forest fires and power cuts.”

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/indian-official-drains-reservoir-phone-075900249.html


An unusual thunderstorm and hailstorm in Gujarat caused by a cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan on Sunday claimed nine lives, state government officials said on Monday.

“Meanwhile, the IMD officials said that this summer, the state has received 34.7 mm rains so far, which is about ten times higher than normal.”

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/9-killed-as-thunderstorm-hailstorm-lash-gujarat/articleshow/100603966.cms


At least three killed in shooting at Iran-Afghan border.

“Two Iranian border guards and one Taliban fighter have been killed after shooting broke out near a border post between Iran and Afghanistan, sharply escalating rising tensions between the two countries amid a dispute over water rights.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/27/clash-on-iran-afghan-border-kills-at-least-three


Man dead, child missing as flash floods hit parts of Jordan.

“Security personnel found the body of a man in his 30s who was swept away in flash floods while in his vehicle in the Al Shammia area in northern Aqaba late on Sunday night. Speaking to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Aqaba Governor Khaled Hajaj on Monday said that a search and rescue team had been formed last night to locate the young man.”

http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/man-dead-child-missing-flash-floods-hit-parts-jordan


Weekend fires sweep across Israel as nation suffers under heatwave…

“Fire and Rescue Commissioner Eyal Caspi prohibited the lighting of fires in open areas throughout the country for 24 hours from 8a.m. – including parks, forests and nature reserves – out of concern that the fires would spread under heavy wind conditions.”

https://allisrael.com/israel-swept-by-weekend-fires-as-nation-suffers-under-heatwave


Disappointing weather takes its toll on Gaza wheat crop.

“Shifting weather patterns and disappointing rains in Gaza mean Palestinian farmer Itaf Qudeih has managed to harvest only a quarter of the wheat she once grew on her land. “The wheat was taller and the grain was bigger, it is now very weak. The late winter influenced the crop and the quantity of the produce,” said Qudeih, 60…”

https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/disappointing-weather-takes-its-toll-gaza-wheat-crop-2023-05-29/


Mind blowing heat wave in Russia: From 37C [98.6F] at Verhkhniy Basksan in the Caucasus to 33.1C at Kuminskaya lat 58N to 32.4C at Saim at 60 latitude (record smashed).

“But also tropical nights north of lat 57N. Tmin 20.6C Nozovka lat 57 20.7C Sorocinsk lat 52. Unprecedented.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1663220293282791426


Due to heavy rains, several streets in Resita [Romania] were flooded, and the waters took up several cars. Firefighters on the free shifts were called in to intervene.

“ISU Caraș-Severin showed images of the moment when streams of water made a mess on Mihail Kogălniceanu Street in Reșița, after a breaking of clouds.”

https://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/actualitate/imagini-cutremuratoare-surprinse-la-resita-apele-matura-totul-in-cale-iar-mai-multe-masini-au-fost-luate-pe-sus-video.html


Inside the Italy mega storm that killed four and caused a houseboat to capsize in a lake…

“A boat packed full of British tourists capsized during a catastrophic storm over Italy’s Lake Maggiore yesterday. Local reports say the vessel, believed to be a houseboat, capsized after a “whirlwind” struck the lake…”

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/inside-italy-mega-storm-killed-30102226


Drought-struck Barcelona quenches thirst with costly desalination.

“Where once the population of Barcelona drank mostly from its rivers and wells, Spain’s second city now relies upon a labyrinth-like mesh of green, blue and purple pipes inside an industrial plant to keep it from going thirsty amid a prolonged drought.”

https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/drought-struck-barcelona-quenches-thirst-costly-desalination-99668385


Wildfires in Nova Scotia are ‘out of control’ and forcing 16,000 people from their homes…

“Officials say the fires, which span a total of more than 25,000 acres and have been deemed “out of control” by officials, have destroyed multiple buildings and caused huge plumes of smoke to tower over the region.”

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/29/weather/nova-scotia-halifax-forest-wildfire/index.html


More and more exceptional warmth in Canada: By far the country with the highest positive temperature anomalies this month, one month for the history.

“Incredible heat in Northern Ontario: 32.2C/90F Fort Severn; 31.0C Peawanuck; 28.4C at Churchill Manitoba in the Hudson Bay.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1663350428854104070


Insurance giant halts sale of new home policies in California due to wildfires.

“The insurance giant State Farm, America’s biggest car and home insurer by premium volume, will halt the sale of new home insurance policies in California, citing wildfire risk and inflation of construction costs.”

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/27/state-farm-home-insurance-california-wildfires


Peru: State of Emergency in 131 Districts, El Niño Phenomenon.

“On Sunday, the Peruvian government proclaimed a state of emergency for a period of 60 days across 131 districts in response to the potential arrival of the El Niño phenomenon, deemed as an “imminent danger”.”

https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Peru-State-of-Emergency-in-131-Districts-El-Nino-Phenomenon-20230529-0002.html


Uruguay, hot and dry, adds saltwater to public drinking supply…

“The Paso Severino reservoir, which provides freshwater to more than half the country’s 3.4 million people, is down to 5 percent of capacity. So the State Sanitary Works Administration secured permission this month to exceed the legal limits for sodium and chloride…”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/29/uruguay-water-crisis-salt/


Among the scary heat waves which are battering large swathes of the globe these weeks, North Africa’s is probably the worst.

“Today some Tmin/Tmax: Matam, Senegal 32.0/47.0 [89.6F/116.6F]; Kayes, Mali 35.5/46.9; Yelimane, Mali 36.6 (!)/45.8. Brutal daily averages >40C [104F]. And it can get even worse.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1663264661842567168


Record heat doesn’t spare the Maldives.

“For 2 days in a row ,yesterday and today, the atoll of Hanimadhoo in the North, rose to 34.6C [94.3F], which is the highest temperature on records in May in the country,1 decimal above the record set on 1 May 2016 at the same site.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1662434337013354496


Australians have woken up to freezing temperatures, with some towns recording their coldest May morning on record.

“Widespread frost was reported in parts of Queensland, Northern Territory, New South Wales and Western Australia on Sunday morning.”

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12132685/Aussies-shiver-record-breaking-cold.html


Climate change could trigger gigantic deadly tsunamis from Antarctica, new study warns.

“By drilling into sediment cores hundreds of feet beneath the seafloor in Antarctica, scientists discovered that during previous periods of global warming — 3 million and 15 million years ago — loose sediment layers formed and slipped to send massive tsunami waves racing to the shores of South America, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.”

https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/antarctica/climate-change-could-trigger-gigantic-deadly-tsunamis-from-antarctica-new-study-warns


You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.

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27th May 2023 Today’s Round-Up of Climate News

Just in: RECORD HEAT IN CHAD.

Faya Largeau just hit 48C [118.4F]. This is the highest reliable temperature ever recorded in Chad. The previous record of 47.6C was set at the same place on 22 June 2010.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1661723289306411009


A towering cotton tree which has stood for several hundred years in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, has been brought down by a heavy storm.

“President Julius Maada Bio said the tree fell after a downpour on Wednesday night. He described it as a “great loss to the nation”.”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-65707394


As drought withers Tunisian fields, state feels financial pinch.

“As rains failed, Tunisian farmers watched their crops wither this spring, harvesting early to salvage some as animal feed and piling costs on a state struggling to afford wheat imports with bakeries running out of bread.”

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/drought-withers-tunisian-fields-state-feels-financial-pinch-2023-05-25/


Rescue operations continue as floods kill two children in eastern Algeria…

“The floods have trapped dozens of citizens in their homes, schools and cars. Houses were also damaged or destroyed, vehicles swept from roads and transport severely disrupted… In Tunisia, authorities said that a female farmer died on Wednesday in Kasserine, in the west of the country, after heavy floods swept her away.”

https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/2023/05/26/rescue-operations-continue-as-floods-kill-two-children-in-eastern-algeria/


Jordan’s Bedouins take on the struggles of climate change…

““My family used make a living through herding sheep and camels. But as [it] started raining less, it became difficult to keep the animals and sustain a living. We had to move to the village and sell our animals,” al-Zalabeih told Al Jazeera.”

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/26/jordans-bedouins-take-on-the-struggles-of-climate-change


Dust storm sends over 180 to hospital in Kirkuk…

“Dust storms are not uncommon in Iraq but are becoming more frequent due to drought, desertification, and rising temperatures. Iraq is one of the countries most affected by climate change.”

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/260520231


At least 13 people have been killed and dozens injured in torrential rains and flash floods that have struck a dozen provinces in Afghanistan.

“The worst-affected areas were in the central province of Ghor, a remote and impoverished region where at least six people died.”

https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-flooding-humanitarian-aid/32429245.html


Searing heatwave grips plains of Sindh.

“A severe heatwave has gripped the plains of Sindh where several cities witnessed daytime temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius on Friday, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said, adding that the maximum temperature was recorded in Mohenjodaro where the mercury touched 48.5 degrees Celsius [119.3F].

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1074223-searing-heatwave-grips-plains-of-sindh


First cheetah cubs born in India in more than seven decades die in heatwave…

“The first cub died on Tuesday, prompting veterinarians in the national park in Madhya Pradesh state to closely monitor the mother and her three remaining cubs. The cubs appeared weak on Thursday afternoon – a day when temperatures reached 47C (113F) – and authorities intervened to help the cats.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/26/first-cheetah-cubs-born-in-india-in-more-than-seven-decades-die-in-heatwave


Vietnamese cities cut public lighting to save energy amid heatwave…

“In the capital, Hanoi, street lights are being turned on 30 minutes later and turned off 30 minutes earlier than usual, the ministry said. Half the street lights along some major thoroughfares and in public parks have been completely turned off.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/26/vietnam-cities-cut-lighting-save-energy-heatwave


BREAKING: Super Typhoon Mawar has strengthened even further. Winds are now 185mph with a minimum central pressure of 897mb!

“That makes it the strongest tropical cyclone in the West Pacific during the month of May on record [and the world’s most powerful storm since 2021].”

https://twitter.com/CollinGrossWx/status/1661907112937529344


Auckland has had 91% of its annual rainfall – and it’s not even June…

“The average rainfall for January 1 to May 26 was 397mm – that means the city has had 2.5 times its usual rainfall for the same period of time. That 1019.2mm [40.1 inches] of rain made itself felt, causing landslides, destroying roads and permanently affecting communities all over Auckland.”

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/132154883/auckland-has-had-91-of-its-annual-rainfall–and-its-not-even-june


Bird flu fells nearly 9,000 marine creatures in Chile [I wonder if the extremely warm sea temps off Peru and Chile are exacerbating this]…

“Since the beginning of 2023, more than 7,600 sea lions, 1,186 Humboldt penguins — an endangered species that breeds only in Chile and Peru — and several otters, porpoises and dolphins have been found dead along the coast, the Sernapesca service said in a statement.”

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230525-bird-flu-fells-nearly-9-000-marine-creatures-in-chile


US Judge says fire retardant drops are polluting streams but allows use to continue.

“BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A judge ruled Friday that the U.S. government can keep using chemical retardant to fight wildfires, despite finding that the practice pollutes streams in western states in violation of federal law.”

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/judge-says-fire-retardant-drops-are-polluting-streams-but-allows-use-to-continue


300 dump trucks traverse Florida neighborhood each day to restore dunes decimated by Hurricane Ian.

“Beach defenses, millions of years in the making, took Hurricane Ian half a day to tear apart in Barefoot Beach, Florida. The dunes were decimated. Now, the small neighborhood and preserve is rebuilding…”

https://www.foxweather.com/extreme-weather/hurricane-ian-sand-dunes-barefoot-beach-florida


Killer ‘brain-eating’ infection sparks alert as disease spreads throughout the US.

“A deadly infection that targets the human brain is spreading in the United States as result of climate change. The microbe Naegleria fowleri amoeba causes a rare brain infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), and is now being found in new areas of the US.”

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/us-news/killer-brain-eating-infection-sparks-30090100


Tick-borne disease that kills up to 15% of sufferers just claimed its first life in the US this year — and experts warn the virus is becoming more common due to climate change.

“Robert J. Weymouth, a 58-year-old from Topsham, Maine passed away due to complications from the Powassan virus, which caused severe neurological problems…”

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12129323/Aggressive-tick-borne-virus-death-Maine-expected-common-climate-warms.html


How climate change is giving the world’s worst diseases a deadly boost…

“Experts predict that continuing changes and shifts in the globe’s weather patterns could heighten the threat posed by humanity’s most dangerous infectious diseases, making this the deadliest fallout of climate change, rather than extreme temperatures or flooding.”

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/climate-change-malaria-diseases-pandemic/


Climate change appears to be disrupting the hibernation of female Arctic Squirrels, scientists say, and that could affect mating season.

“…scientists have found that as temperatures rise, female ground squirrels are emerging up to 10 days earlier than they used to. Researchers think it has to do with earlier thawing of the soil.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/25/climate/arctic-squirrels-climate-change.html


Arctic amplification is destabilizing the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

“The Arctic, a hotspot for climate change, is once more grabbing headlines. This remote region is warming faster than any other part of the world, creating a domino effect called Arctic amplification. ESA-developed satellites are stepping up, offering vital data that shed light on this complex phenomenon and its far-reaching implications for people and wildlife alike.”

https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-amplification-is-destabilizing-the-delicate-balance-of-the-ecosystem/


In this Arctic Town [Longyearbyen, Svalbard], Movements Triggered by Water Pose the Biggest Challenge…

“The biggest issue is not permafrost, it’s the water. We have more rain now than we used to, and when you add water, things start to move — electric poles, buildings, and even our one road, which is of course built on permafrost.”

https://earthisland.org/journal/index.php/articles/entry/in-longyearbyen-the-worlds-fastest-warming-town-more-rains-means-are-causing-roads-and-buildings-to-shift


Another incredible record in the Arctic Russia.

Kolguyev Island, which is in the Barents Sea, (lat. 69N) on 25th May beat its May record of highest temperature again with 22.1C [71.8F], that’s nearly 4C above the previous record.

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1662368289853702144


Water shortage warnings already in place for half of Scotland.

“Half of Scotland has been placed in “early warning” for water shortage after a significant drop in rainfall this spring. Levels in Loch Maree in Wester Ross are now so low that the surrounding area is under a yellow alert even though summer has yet to start.”

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/water-shortage-warnings-already-in-place-for-half-of-scotland-z2l35p0df


Northern Ireland experienced its hottest year on record in 2022, according to a Stormont report…

“Climate records, the Northern Ireland Environmental Statistics Report 2023 states, “suggest that the mean annual temperature has been steadily increasing since the end of the 19th century”.”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-65710713


Northern Italy floods leave museums submerged and ancient frescoes damaged.

“As Emilia Romagna begins the herculean task of clearing up after flooding that left 15 people dead, the damage to the region’s rich culture and heritage is coming to light. Museums, libraries and churches have been inundated with water and mud ruining antique books, manuscripts and frescoes.”

https://www.euronews.com/culture/2023/05/25/northern-italy-floods-leave-museums-submerged-and-ancient-frescoes-damaged


A man was killed after torrential rain caused flash flooding in the southern Italian province of Avellino on Thursday…

“The mayor of Contrada, Pasquale De Santis, told Ansa, “There was only twenty minutes of rain preceded by a hailstorm, but of exceptional strength.” …The area has been repeatedly hit by severe flooding during storms and families in the nearby village of Celzi had to be rescued using rubber dinghies in the last major floods in November 2023.”

https://www.thelocal.it/20230525/one-dead-after-severe-storm-and-flooding-hits-southern-italy


Villages in north-east Catalonia [Spain] were left flooded and streets covered in ice and hail following a storm on Wednesday.

“Eyewitness footage shows cars stranded in the streets of Sant Hilari Sacalm. The recent storms come as Spain registered the driest start to a year since records started.”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-europe-65711243


…torrential rains caused a strong and sudden flood in Molina de Segura (Murcia, Spain), which trapped numerous drivers in their vehicles and generated scenes of panic…

“The episode of heavy rains has left in the province of Castellón some rainfall records that have made May 2023 the rainiest in history in the area.”

https://elpais.com/espana/2023-05-26/una-tromba-de-agua-en-molina-de-segura-causa-graves-danos-y-el-rescate-de-al-menos-15-personas.html


Dangerous slowing of Antarctic ocean circulation sooner than expected.

“Climate change-driven shifts in the circulation of waters to the deepest reaches of the ocean around Antarctica, which could reverberate across the planet and intensify global warming, are happening decades “ahead of schedule”, according to new research.”

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230526-dangerous-slowing-of-antarctic-ocean-circulation-sooner-than-expected


Wildfires sparked ‘the Great Dying’ on Earth 250 million years ago, Chinese study confirms

“Study led by Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers finds frequent, intense wildfires may have led to the collapse of terrestrial ecosystems. Largest mass extinction event in the end-Permian period wiped out nearly 90 per cent of marine and land species on Earth.”

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3221903/more-proof-how-wildfires-sparked-great-dying-earth-250-million-years-ago-study


You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an “Economic” thread.

If you found value in this content, please help me continue this work by becoming a patron of my work via Patreon. And if you are already a subscriber or have donated – thank you! It is an enormous help as the cost-of-living crisis ratchets up here in the UK.