Many thanks to my friend Barry Smiler for being October’s sponsor. Do take a look at his climate site, which nicely complements mine. He recently added some nifty enhancements to his Research page. And for your climate listening pleasure, he suggests this little song.
“On 2.0°C watch.
“The global temperature anomaly for October 22nd was 1.94°C above the 1850-1900 IPCC pre-industrial baseline and set a new daily record… Forecast global anomaly on October 31st: 2.06°C above pre-industrial.”
“The World’s Oceans Just Hit Their Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded at a Time of Year When They Should Be Cooling.
“On August 22, the average surface temperature of the planet’s extra-polar oceans hit 21.1°C (70°F), the highest daily level in recorded modern history. The timing makes the record especially concerning. This is because global ocean temperatures typically reach their peak around March and April.”
“Satellites show some of the strongest evidence the AMOC is weakening.
“The crucial Atlantic current system that brings warmth to Europe has slowed 18 per cent in 40 years, according to an analysis of how much heat the ocean is releasing to the atmosphere… Another recent study, which examined reanalyses of the ocean rather than the atmosphere, similarly found the AMOC has weakened 15 per cent in 30 years.”
“‘Heartbreaking’: Largs shops flooded overnight as Storm Boelo hits Scotland…
“A video shared by ice cream shop Geraldo’s shows the North Ayrshire street swamped in floodwater. “26 years of being here and it’s the highest it’s ever been,” the owner said in the footage. “We’re standing here in a doorway trying to protect our businesses from this disaster. It’s just heartbreaking. It really is.”
“”A suspected tornado ripped through part of a Hampshire village, leaving “devastation” in its wake, a resident has said.
“The weather phenomenon left a line of damage about one mile long (1.6km) and about 100m (328ft) wide in the village of Portchester on Thursday night.”
“UK Shoppers Strip Shelves of Beans and Water After Government Emergency Advice.
“Bottled water, tinned food and batteries are selling out at some British retailers after the government urged households to put together emergency kits. Online grocer Ocado listed several brands of water as unavailable on Monday, according to AOL and the Daily Mail.”
“Britain’s biggest garden centre switches plants for extreme heat.
“Hydrangeas have long been among the most popular plants in Britain and a mainstay of summer gardens up and down the country. But the shrubs could soon become a thing of the past as soaring temperatures threaten to change the face of flowerbeds for good.”
“EU Wants Countries to Draw Up Plans to Deal With Warming of 3C…
“The EU’s 27 member states will be required to come forward with national plans for how they will adapt by end-2030, while the European Commission, the bloc’s executive branch, will identify major risks, including possible climate tipping points.”
“Crop losses from recurring droughts ‘shrinking Poland’s economy and impacting businesses’…
“Recurring periods of drought are causing losses worth billions of złoty to the Polish economy every year and are affecting business across the agrifood supply chain, a new report has found… drought reduces cereal and rapeseed crop yields by around 12% in an average year, while potato and sugar beet yields see drops of about 20%.”
“I’ve seen the disaster that’s coming to the Alps within decades…
“I study glaciers for a living and I am a keen mountaineer. I have seen many examples of smaller-scale disasters across the European Alps, including major rockfalls on famous and popular climbing routes. Sadly these incidents are getting more common and much more deadly.”
“Melting glaciers in Dolomites reveal cache of first world war munitions…
“The devices, which included Italian artillery shells and French mortar bombs, were removed and defused by the army’s Julia Alpine brigade… The weapons originated from the white war, a battle between the Austro-Hungarian army and Italian troops across treacherous and bitterly cold terrain between 1915 and 1918.”
“Istanbul is bracing for another round of heavy rainfall on Oct. 27, with Türkiye’s meteorological authority warning of possible flash floods and inundations in the city and other parts of western Türkiye, less than two weeks after torrential downpours killed eight people in Istanbul…”
“At least four workers died when a tornado struck a construction site in Antalya, overturning accommodation cabins and a tower crane. Heavy rain also flooded roads in Istanbul.
“Four construction workers were killed and a fifth injured when a sudden tornado struck a building site in Antalya, southern Turkey, late on Monday.”
“OCT RECORDS: 38.0 [100.4F] Wa GHANA, 37.5 Kara TOGO, 34.8 Mvengue GABON… BENIN, IVORY COAST, TOGO & CAMEROON ALL HAD THEIR HOTTEST OCT NIGHT EVER!” [Extreme Temps]
“Climate change is amplifying extreme weather conditions across southern Africa.
“Dry seasons are getting hotter and drier, while rains are becoming heavier and more concentrated. This means greater swings between production surplus and scarcity for rural communities that make their living from the land.”
“Saudi Arabia issues red and orange alerts as heavy thunderstorms threaten several regions.
“A red alert for heavy rainfall has been issued in parts of Jazan Region from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., accompanied by strong winds, zero horizontal visibility, hail, flash floods and thunderstorms.”
“…footage shows floodwaters completely surrounding buildings in Shalateen, located south of the Red Sea Governorate. Heavy torrential rains have triggered massive flash floods across the region, leaving areas submerged under water.”
“Stormy election day ahead as Israel braces for heavy rain and flooding.
“Thunderstorms, hail and strong winds are expected across much of Israel on Tuesday, with rain intensifying by midday and flash floods possible in the Negev, Arava Valley, Judean Desert and Dead Sea area.”
“Farmers in Sirsa have demanded immediate compensation for crops damaged by unseasonal rain and hailstorms. Farmer organisations have urged the Haryana Government to conduct a special crop damage survey and provide financial assistance to the affected farmers.”
“Cyclone ‘Arnab’ hurtling towards Andhra Pradesh coast.
“Very severe cyclonic storm “Arnab” has intensified over the west-central Bay of Bengal and is hurtling towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, with landfall expected by the forenoon of Wednesday, October 28, 2026… the storm has prompted red alerts across coastal districts in Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha.”
“Why Arunachal’s Gen Z is protesting against India’s mega dam to counter China.
“While the government cites water security and flood control, indigenous communities fear displacement, environmental damage, seismic risks, and the loss of ancestral land and cultural heritage.”
“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT IN CHINA – 37 [98.6F] DEGREES OVER 1000m asl.
“Thousands of records have fallen every day of this month and October records keep falling even at month end like today: 33.3C Shuangjiang and 32.9C Menglian.”
“Mind blowing August-like weather continues in Southern Japan with up to 33C [91.4F] and stifling suffocating hot nights with MINIMUMS up to 28C. Absolutely insane and unprecedented.” [Extreme Temps]
“Typhoon Champi declared strongest storm of year so far…
“Typhoon Champi was declared the strongest storm of the year so far after recording sustained winds of 185mph last week. From late Thursday to early Saturday, the typhoon battered Taiwan and Japan’s southern islands.”
“Taiwan’s tea growers rethink farming as climate pressures intensify.
“…tea production in Alishan declined by 13.5 per cent from 2014 to 2023, as its farmers are facing threats not only from soil degradation but also from climate change. This growing sense of ecological crisis has led a handful of tea growers like Lin to adopt more environmentally friendly farming methods and nature-based solutions.”
“Flash floods send rocks and mud through Patong [Thailand].
“Heavy rain triggered flash flooding and mudslides in Phuket overnight, blocking roads and prompting emergency crews to clear debris and assist affected residents. The flooding began after heavy rain early on Monday, when runoff from nearby hills combined with a high tide.”
“Indonesia sends oxygen bus to aid residents choking on forest fire haze.
“The Indonesian government and local volunteer teams have deployed mobile “oxygen buses” to the hardest-hit regions of Borneo and Sumatra to provide emergency breathing relief to residents choking on severe wildfire smoke.”
“Outback kaleidoscope: Australia’s fabled desert lake bursts to life in rare sight…
“Rainfall nearly 50% above the long-term average caused havoc, killing livestock and cutting outback tracks, some of which remain underwater. But it also filled up three major river systems – the Georgina, the Diamantina and Cooper Creek.”
“Giant hail observed in parts of south-east Queensland as ‘very dangerous’ storms strike.
“A series of “very dangerous” storms have brought hail up to seven centimetres in size to parts of south-east Queensland. The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Logan, parts of Ipswich, Gold Coast, Brisbane City and Scenic Rim Council areas.”
“Antarctica records its warmest October on record: what’s happening?
“Near the Ukrainian Antarctic station “Akademik Vernadsky,” the air temperature rose to +11.1 degrees Celsius. This is the highest reading for October in the entire history of observations. At the same time, the air warmed up by nearly 10 degrees in just two and a half hours.”
“Yesterday’s Nino 3.4 preliminary sea-surface temperature anomaly set a new record high, at 3.48°C above the 1991-2020 baseline. To clearly show this anomaly, the y-axis max was raised to 4.0°C.” [Prof Eliot Jacobson]
“An impressive tornado causes significant property damage between Requínoa and Rengo, Chile
“Footage of a violent tornado passing through the O’Higgins Region, Chile. The vortex generated intense wind gusts and sent debris flying through inhabited areas.”
“Chile deploys specialized helicopter to Peru to fight forest fires that leave 12 dead and more than 800 affected.
“The aircraft, financed with emergency funds from the Ministry of the Interior, already operates from Cusco and will support the extinguishing work in the regions of Cusco, Puno and Junín. The operation includes seven days of work, 35 hours of flight and an investment of almost 140,000 dollars.”
“La Paz: heavy rains cause rivers to flood and floods in different areas [Bolivia].
“Due to the intense rains recorded this Friday in the city of La Paz, rivers flooded in the southern zone and flooding on different roads were recorded, according to reports and alerts issued by the Directorate of Risk Prevention and Urban Resilience.”
“Floods in Argentina kill 2, displace over 2,000 amid El Nino.
“Flooding in northeastern Argentina has killed two people and forced more than 2,000 others from their homes, with rising river levels threatening communities across the region, Argentine newspaper Pagina 12 reported Saturday.”
“Brutal 43.0C [109.4F] Pao de Acucar BRAZIL – HOTTEST DAY EVER RECORDED IN ALAGOAS STATE… Oct High Minimums: 25.6 Puerto Limon, COSTA RICA; 24.6 St Georges, FRENCH GUIANA; 26.8 Guayaquil, ECUADOR; 24.3 Piura, PERU.” [Extreme Temps]
“Santa Marta under red alert for heavy rains and serious flooding in Barranquilla and Cartagena [Colombia].
“The Ideam report activated the maximum alarms in the main cities of the Colombian Atlantic coast, while local authorities attend to emergencies due to floods and overflowing streams.”
“GONE WITH THE FLOOD! Cars Swept Away as Heavy Rain Hits Ciudad Juarez [Mexico].
“Heavy rainfall over the weekend caused the La Montada dyke to overflow in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, sending floodwaters through residential streets, damaging homes and sweeping away vehicles. Drone footage filmed on Monday shows the scale of the flooding.”
“Category 5 (beyond extreme) marine heatwave conditions are being observed offshore San Diego, where water temperatures are up to 77°F.
“California’s severe marine heatwave is also marching north and has now reached Northern California, with water up to 68°F offshore Santa Cruz.” [Colin McCarthy]
“Historic flooding brings ‘catastrophic destruction’ to Colorado town.
“Heavy rain caused significant river flooding in the town of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, bringing “wide-scale catastrophic destruction,” the local sheriff said. See the flooding that has stranded residents and damaged a main sewer line.”
“Lawmakers Urge Emergency Declaration as Catastrophic Flooding Continues in New Mexico.
“The National Weather Service reported that the San Juan River is at its highest levels since 1909. The flooding is estimated to have affected 160,000 residents… Initial assessments indicate that as many as 18,000 homes in San Juan County alone may be underwater.”
“The warmest start to fall on record; the full “Hunter’s” moon rises tonight.
“Indianapolis is off to the warmest start to fall on record. Since September 1st, we’ve had 44 days with above average temperatures, 2 days with average temperatures and 10 days with below average temperatures. Monday was a sunny, mild day with above average highs near 70°.”
“Trump to Ease Oil Well Methane Curbs in Bid to Lower Costs.
“President Donald Trump is set to unveil a plan to dial back federal requirements designed to slash methane emissions from oil and gas operations, casting the proposal as a way to encourage more domestic energy production and lower costs.”
“‘A potential glimpse into the future’: Climate change has triggered ‘permafrost landslides’ with house-size blocks of ice in Canada.
“These landslides, called permafrost detachment slides, occur in areas with relatively thin permafrost… Such slides have not been observed in the region before and may be unprecedented over the past 10,000 years or more, said study leader Joseph Young…”
“UN climate science body left in limbo without budget sign-off after deadlock.
“Work for the leading scientific body on global warming is in limbo after countries failed to approve its budget… The stranglehold on funding for the UN-backed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, made up of hundreds of international experts, comes after a failure to resolve a three-year deadlock over when the next research should be delivered.”
“At Yerevan’s COP17 biodiversity summit, a steep climb ahead for ‘30 by 30’ target…
“According to the Campaign for Nature’s global assessment, of the 196 state parties to the GBF, 132 have made formal commitments to protect a set amount of land. Together, these commitments would amount to 27% of the planet’s terrestrial surface — but that would require translating them into concrete action. And with 2030 not far off, the clock is ticking.”
As a reader-funded publication, your one time and regular donations help keep this site going. If you value this work, please share it far and wide and consider a Patreon subscription or a one time Paypal donation. You can also support this work by buying a virtual coffee. Thank you!
You can read the previous “Climate” thead here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.
Many thanks to my friend Barry Smiler for being October’s sponsor. Do take a look at his climate site, which nicely complements mine. He recently added some nifty enhancements to his Research page. And for your climate listening pleasure, he suggests this little song.
“The global mean surface temperature on Wednesday, October 21st was 1.89°C above pre-industrial, setting a new daily record dating back to 1940, and likely the warmest October 21st (one month past the Fall equinox) in the last 120,000 years.”
“Chemicals from phones and TVs found in Arctic and Antarctic soil…
“Liquid crystal monomers are the working ingredients of LCD panels. Organic light-emitting materials play that role in OLED screens. Production of both has climbed over the past two decades as the electronics industry grew… Lab studies have linked some of them to liver damage and hormone disruption in animals.”
“Polar vortex may weaken by November 5 in a possible record low…
“A comparison of data going back to 1959 shows that in the first ten days of November the speed fell below 12 metres per second in only three years. It was lowest on November 9, 1960, at 10.49 metres per second. A historic record this year therefore cannot be ruled out.”
“Gazprom Neft is not the only company sending growing volumes to Asian markets via the Northern Sea Route. Shipping data show that Russian oil exports shipped on the Arctic route to Asian buyers had reached 20 million tonnes by early October, Reuters reported. That implies a year-on-year increase of about 50 percent.”
“Russia’s Moscow Braces for Record-Breaking October Warmth This Weekend.
“Russia’s capital Moscow is set to experience unusually warm weather this weekend, with temperatures potentially approaching a record set more than a century ago. Evgeny Tishkovets, a meteorologist at the Phobos weather center, said temperatures in the Russian capital could reach 11-14°C on October 24…”
“‘Pure arrogance’: anger in Finland as Google illegally fells 250,000 trees for datacentre.
“Behind a wire fence lies a vast gaping wound of earth. Before Google’s arrival a few months ago, an estimated quarter of a million trees occupied the 330 hectares (815 acres) of forest near the town of Muhos in rural northern Finland. Now they are all gone.”
“Shetland hit by flooding and landslide after ‘biblical’ rain…
“Johnny Sandison, who works at the Lerwick Brewery said, “It was probably the heaviest rain I have ever seen in Shetland in my life. “When the cars were going past on the road, you could see these massive waves were coming up above the height of the cars themselves.””
“From potatoes to onions and carrots: How everyday vegetables are disappearing before our eyes [UK].
“The trouble could extend well beyond Christmas. Farmers are now considering planting fewer potatoes, onions and carrots next year because they fear there will not be enough water to grow them… What began with smaller vegetables this autumn could mean fewer of them, and potentially higher prices, in 2027.”
“Storm Austen: Brighton’s West pier partially collapses as 110mph winds batter UK…
“A gust of 111mph was recorded in Padstow, Cornwall on Friday morning, while 97mph was recorded in St Ives by a National Coastguard station… there is little respite in sight, with Storm Boelo forecast to sweep across the UK this weekend, bringing further powerful gusts and torrential downpours.”
“European Parliament votes to approve three-year delay on EU methane rules…
“Importers have warned they may not be able to secure enough compliant supplies at a time when energy markets are strained and prices high due to the conflict in the Middle East. Parliament agrees with the need to postpone these requirements, but is pushing for a longer, three-year postponement.”
“Heat killed ‘staggering’ 50,000 people in Europe’s cities this summer, scientists warn…
“The “staggering” death toll, modelled using historical relationships between heat and health in 854 cities, was the worst on record, the study found. Hot weather marked by relentless heatwaves killed nearly twice as many people as it did in each of the two next most dangerous years.”
“French roads suffer from cracks following summer droughts…
“Persistent changes and a cycle of swelling and shrinking can damage structures above ground, leading to cracks in homes. Millions of properties across France are at risk, but the issue extends to other structures built on these soils, including roads.”
“This video captures a severe rainstorm in Djerba, Tunisia. It shows streets and buildings completely flooded…
“The footage captures the impact of torrential autumn rainstorms that have heavily affected the island of Djerba and other coastal regions in Tunisia. Fueled by unseasonably warm sea temperatures, these intense autumn cloudbursts drop an immense volume of water in a very short window.”
“Nigeria could record an additional 31,400 heat-related deaths between September 2026 and February 2027 as an unusually strong El Niño weather pattern intensifies, a report by the Climate Impact Lab has warned.
“The projection places Nigeria among the countries expected to suffer the highest number of additional heat-related deaths globally during the six-month period.”
“45.6 [114.1F[ Tete MOZAMBIQUE all-time record; Min 26.4 Inhambane; MIN 28.9 Kacholola is ZAMBIA HOTTEST NIGHT IN HISTORY; OCTOBER HOTTEST DAY EVER for TANZANIA, SEYCHELLES, SAO TOME… Min 27.8 Chagos OCTOBER hottest night.” [Extreme Temps]
“In Mozambique heat indexes have locally risen >55C [131F], the worst feel-like ever recorded anywhere in Southern Africa.
“There has never been anything like this or anything close. Records of High Minimums were locally broken by 8C in Zambia,where nearly 100% of the stations broke them.” [Extreme Temps]
“Malawi: Schools Urged to Adapt As Heatwave Warning Issued Across Malawi.
“Schools and other learning institutions have been urged to implement immediate measures to protect learners and staff following a heatwave alert issued by the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS). The Department has forecast temperatures of up to 42C [107.6F]…”
“War-ravaged Sudan on brink as El Nino fans new flames of hunger…
“Farmers across Sudan are facing a devastating harvest as drought and soaring temperatures compound the effects of a civil war that has already pushed millions toward hunger, raising fears of a worsening famine. El Nino, the climate pattern threatening parts of Africa with extreme weather, has brought higher temperatures and drought…”
“INSANE UNREAL WORLD RECORD; CRAZY MINIMUM 32.0 [89.6F] Qaruh Island, Kuwait is hottest night ever recorded in the Northern Hemisphere in late October.
“Also 31.5 Das Island Emirates and 31.2 Alwakrah Qatar. TROPICAL NIGHTS again in the Caucasus/Caspian Sea – absurd.” [Extreme Temps]
“Oil spill hits UAE beaches as tanker attacks multiply near Hormuz…
“Frequent attacks on ships have been reported in recent weeks near the Strait of Hormuz, control of which remains at the heart of the war between Iran and the US. The maritime security agency UKMTO reported on 9 October that a vessel had been hit by a projectile off the UAE coast…”
“Hamid Mahboubi, CEO of the Red Crescent Society of West Azerbaijan, announced on Friday morning, October 23, 2026, that two people had lost their lives following flash floods in West Azerbaijan province. One of the victims was a 10-year-old child. Additionally, six people were injured, and two remain missing…”
“After suspending the treaty, India began accelerating the construction and development of hydropower projects on the western rivers… Pakistan’s concerns extend beyond these projects to the course India may take in the coming years. If India builds new projects to store water from rivers allocated to Pakistan, Pakistan could face severe consequences over the next five to 10 years.“
“Sri Lanka: Death of iconic elephant raises habitat concerns…
“In late September, villagers noticed the 5.5 ton-tusker (5,500 kg) was limping, and a closer look reveled a gunshot wound on his right leg. Despite the intervention of veterinary surgeons, the elephant died on October 16. Sri Lanka records the highest number of elephant deaths annually…”
“Tamil Nadu rain fury: Widespread downpour floods regions [SE India]
“Persistent rain in Kanyakumari district has caused major issues, as floodwaters entered inside people houses, forcing people to leave their house. Vehicles and essential household goods have been submerged or damaged by the water.”
“The Andhra Pradesh coast [SE India] is on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of a developing system in the Bay of Bengal that is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm.
“…the storm is projected to impact north Andhra Pradesh and the adjoining south Odisha coast with extremely heavy rainfall beginning Tuesday, 27 October 2026.”
“Bangladesh’s climate migrants are arriving in cities unprepared to protect them.
“Climate migration is often considered an adaptation strategy, as it moves people out of harm’s way from the immediate shocks of climate change. But a new study involving climate migrants in informal settlements in southwest Bangladesh finds that relocation can create new forms of vulnerabilities.”
“Nepal becomes first country to receive climate change reparations…
“The UN The Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage was set up in 2023 to help countries deal with climate-related disasters. It decided on Thursday to earmark $20m (£15m) for Nepal to help it recover from the devastating flash flood of Aug 26, which killed more than 1,400 people.”
“Bodies of two climbers recovered after ‘freak avalanche’ swept them down Himalayan mountain [Nepal]…
“Heavy snowfall and unusual weather patterns in the Bay of Bengal were blamed for a similarly catastrophic slab avalanche that killed at least four people in Manang in September. A sheet of snow 14 feet deep crushed the base camp of Himlung Himal peak last month, wiping out a team of climbers…”
“Typhoon Champi kills one and injures more than 500 in Taiwan as it heads to China.
“Taiwan’s fire department said one man had been killed, swept by waves from the island of Liuqiu. Another 527 people were injured during heavy wind and torrential rain… Large parts of northern and central Taiwan, including Taipei, declared a second day of office and school closures on Saturday…”
“Hong Kong recorded its highest-ever temperature for the traditional Chinese calendar’s “Frost” solar term on Friday, with the weather forecaster warning of a very dry weekend ahead.
“The Hong Kong Observatory said the temperature at its headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui reached 32.3 [90.1F] degrees Celsius by 3.30pm, the highest of the day.”
“Thousands of October records have fallen in every single country in the area since the first day of the month and records keep being rebroken continously. Today another avalanche of records (Bangladesh, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Phillipines).” [Extreme Temps]
“Indonesia records over 333,000 acute respiratory infection cases as fires rage in several regions…
“The ministry’s director of environmental health, Then Suyanti, said that daily cases remained high, with 4,522 new cases reported, according to state-run news agency Antara. She said the latest Air Pollutant Index showed that air quality in several areas had reached hazardous levels…”
“Flash floods swamp southeast Queensland as record October rainfall forces school closures…
“The deluge began on Thursday with a water treatment plant near Moreton Bay, north of Brisbane, recording more than 250 millimetres [9.8 inches] of rain in 24 hours. Some locations received nearly 180 millimetres in just three hours. Beerburrum recorded its wettest October day on record…”
“Tasmania is unstoppable: it has broken hundreds of records in the past months. Tonight it was like a mid summer night with new records of October HIGHEST MINIMUMS. In New Zealand exceptional peaks over 30C [86F] in mid spring.”
“Breaking News! It takes 2 weeks to confirm ocean sea surface temperatures and the long wait is finally over. The first day in recorded history with Nino 3.4 SST at or above 30.0°C [86F] is now officially on the record.
“South America between floods and record heat: this Nino is way more extreme than anything else experienced.
“Today MIN at Arica was again 21.0C [70F], Chilean National October HIGH MIN record; PERU: 32.7 Chiclayo, 28.3 Pisco, 29.4 Lima Campos de Marte; October highest Minimums: 24.3 Piura,23.0 Pisco. Many stations have exceeded their previous records every day and by over 3! 40.3 Jaguaribe BRAZIL.” [Extreme Temps]
“Heavy rains and hail cause flooding in several sectors of Quito [Ecuador]…
“Among the affected areas are Occidental Avenue, where hail accumulated, and Colón Avenue, where the force of the water dragged several vehicles. Flooded streets, trapped cars and water on the first floors of some buildings were also reported.”
“Storm in Santa Fe: hail damaged livestock, crops and homes in the region [Argentina].
“In the midst of the storm that affects Rosario and different localities of Santa Fe, videos began to circulate on social networks that show the intensity of the rainfall recorded during this Thursday. One of the records was shared from Fortín Olmos, in the north of the province…”
“Strong storm in Paraná: it began to rain after intense electrical activity [Brazil].
“The arrival of the rainfall coincided with the conditions announced by the national agency, which maintains a storm alert in force for ten departments of the province. It is expected that the most intense phenomena may develop during the early morning and until noon on Saturday.”
“Amazon communities lose water as mining and deforestation reshape rivers…
“Inhabitants of parts of the world’s greatest rainforest face a paradox: they’re surrounded by water, but can’t use it. For Indigenous peoples, it’s also the loss of the spirits that guard their water sources, driven away by the advance of logging and cattle ranching.”
“The Caribbean is living the most extraordinary heat wave in history with every record, every island breaking and rebreaking records no-stop, every day. INSANE MINIMUMS of 29.4 [84.9F] Flamingo AP – BONAIRE HOTTEST OCTOBER NIGHT broken for 3rd time in a row.” [Extreme Temps]
“California’s oceans have become shockingly warm. And strange things are happening…
“Ocean temperatures off the California coast are surging to shockingly high levels as a historic El Niño grows even stronger… The unusual heat is drawing tropical fish coastward, killing kelp forests, pushing tides to record high heights and providing extra fuel for storms.”
“Severe flooding in US west triggers rooftop rescues and evacuation orders…
“Severe flooding in the Four Corners region on Friday led to water rescues – some from rooftops – and impassable roads, with some residents being told to evacuate low-lying areas of Colorado and New Mexico… It followed several busy days of flooding in the region that swamped dozens of homes in Utah…”
“The US west has lost nearly 300 glaciers since the 1960s. Climate crisis is drastically shrinking what’s left…
“After dominating mountaintops for thousands of years, hundreds of once regal glaciers have been reduced to tiny, sad scraps of ice… “When I realized this it was like, ‘Yikes – that’s a lot more than I thought,’” said Andrew Fountain, a geographer at Portland State University…”
“Colorado’s record-shattering water year was ‘ridiculously warm,’ a little bit ‘scary’ and offered a ‘new perspective’ on how climate change will affect the state…
“”What stood out most was the record-setting heat we had,” said Allie Mazurek, the engagement climatologist with the Colorado Climate Center. “It was just ridiculously warm…” December, February, March and August were all the hottest ever documented in Colorado, which has 131 years of records…”
“Colorado River Basin lost trillions of gallons of groundwater during recent severe drought, study finds…
“The findings come as Western states grapple with new cuts to Colorado River water deliveries. In August, the federal government announced reductions for Lower Basin states, including Arizona, California and Nevada, amid declining reservoir levels and disagreements over how to share the river’s shrinking supply.”
“El Niño will be the dominant driver of weather patterns across the planet into November, with a huge cell of rising air anchored over the east-central Pacific.
“That will help fuel a burgeoning storm train across the U.S., potentially extending across the Atlantic into Europe.” [Ben Noll]
“Almost every shallow-water coral reef on the planet faces ecosystem collapse by 2075, UN advisors say…
“About 24% of the planet’s reefs across more than 80 countries are already critically endangered, the assessment said, but when the expected impacts of global heating were added this rose to 96%. Coral reefs are known as the rainforests of the sea…”
As a reader-funded publication, your one time and regular donations help keep this site going. If you value this work, please share it far and wide and consider a Patreon subscription or a one time Paypal donation. You can also support this work by buying a virtual coffee. Thank you!
You can read the previous “Climate” thead here. I’ll be back on Monday with an “Economic” thread.
Many thanks to my friend Barry Smiler for being October’s sponsor. Do take a look at his climate site, which nicely complements mine. He recently added some nifty enhancements to his Research page. And for your climate listening pleasure, he suggests this little song.
“UN issues call to arms to combat off-the-charts El Nino…
““We are already witnessing extreme weather events and expect this to multiply and cascade as El Nino intensifies,” the World Meteorological Organization chief told a press conference.. “They issued a joint call for “urgent and coordinated anticipatory action” to protect the most vulnerable communities already living on the edge.”
“Subsurface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific have soared 12°C (21.6°F) above average, the highest of this El Niño, with actual temperatures reaching 33.4°C (92.1°F).
“The y-axis maximum was raised again to accommodate this extreme warmth. We are witnessing climate history.” [Ben Noll]
“This Norwegian village is one of the fastest-warming places on Earth. How can its people save it?
“…in Svalbard, where glaciers cover 57% of the land and temperatures are rising up to seven times faster than the global average, making it one of the fastest-warming places on Earth, Foxfonna is changing rapidly. “It is slowly dying,” says Hodson, a professor at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS).”
“World-first taskforce to protect communities from climate change [UK government statement].
“The taskforce will make independent recommendations to help shape government’s approach to tackling national and international climate security challenges, and to help ensure Britain can best prepare itself for the climate crisis.”
“UK’s climate ambition ‘in tatters’ as Jackdaw gasfield gets go ahead…
“Labour’s 2024 election manifesto in fact committed to a ban on new drilling licences in the North Sea. The companies behind Jackdaw and the Rosebank (which is being decided on separately) oilfield projects however sought approval for existing licences.”
“Silence of the seals. The majority of harbour seal pups at the Tees Estuary are dying, year on year. Why you aren’t being told what’s going on…
“The seal pups were succumbing to what has become known as “mouth rot” — a rapidly progressing, non-communicable, necrotising condition that destroys tissue around the mouth and jaw.”
“New Record Set For Warmest October Sea Temperature at Fistral [Cornwall]…
“The warmer water is driven by a gigantic, ongoing regional climate event – a prolonged marine heatwave that’s currently impacting UK and Irish waters. Even by the end of May, the ocean temperature was up by 2 degrees above the average, and has continued this trend into autumn.”
“In Pictures: ‘Armageddon’ at Europe’s Swim Spots Linked to Climate Change and Factory Farm Pollution…
“Fed by harmful pollution from agriculture, and fuelled by seas warmed by climate change, lurid green blooms are increasingly appearing on beaches and lakes across Europe – prompting hundreds of swimming bans across the continent this summer.”
“France, at the national level, is still experiencing drought. The soils are only filled to 28% (“drought” threshold at 40%, graph 1).
“The 2026 drought is therefore still leading the pack, alone (graph 2). It is by far the most severe drought ever observed in France since measurements began. [However[, In some corners of Hérault, we’re experiencing one of the wettest years since measurements began.” [Dr Serge Zaka].
“It’s just monstrous what happened in Solenzara [Corsica, France] today. Records are being shattered:
“108.6 mm in 30 min (national record) 196.2 mm in 1h (national record) 334.0 mm in 2h (national record) 420.6 mm in 3h (national record) 560.8 mm in 24h >700mm in radar estimate… it rained in one day what falls in Paris in 1 year.It rained in 3h what has fallen in Paris since the start of the year!” [Dr Serge Zaka]
“The storm of the beginning of October was an “unprecedented” tropical cyclone attempt in the Mediterranean [Spain]…
“An analysis published on the official blog of the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) points out that the powerful mesoscale convective system that developed off the Catalan coast showed signs compatible with an attempted formation of a tropical cyclone, a process that “had not been documented until now in the Mediterranean…””
“Bad weather devastates Italy: one dead in Jesolo, landslides and flooding between Liguria, Elba and Calabria [Italy]…
“Difficult night in Savona, where 368 mm [14.5 inches] of rain fell: the firefighters had to intervene in different areas of the city and the province. A road gave way in via Famagosta, involving a garbage truck that remained in the balance. Fortunately, the driver was able to get out of the vehicle independently without too many problems.”
“Heavy rain and flash flooding hit Split and the wider central Dalmatian region on Wednesday evening, flooding roads, disrupting traffic and forcing the suspension of several ferry and catamaran services… Large volumes of rain fell in a short period, leaving streets underwater and making driving conditions difficult…”
“Italy: Wildfire Tears Down Mountain Near Palermo as Scirocco Howls [Sicily].
“A wall of flames snaked across a mountainside above Altavilla Milicia, east of Palermo, as hot scirocco winds fanned a night of wildfires across western Sicily. X user Joseph Frascati filmed the blaze in the early hours of October 21.”
“Tunisia jails 10 environmental activists over anti-pollution protests in Gabes.
“A Tunisian court has sentenced ten environmental activists over a protest against pollution linked to a major phosphate-processing plant in the southern coastal city of Gabes… The case was brought by the state-owned factory, which accused the protesters of obstructing its operations.”
“AFRICA RELENTLESS RECORD HEAT Record heat from Tunisia to Namibia! Part 1:
“In Northern Africa abnormal warmth continues. Up to 42C in NIGER and continuous record warm nights with MINS 25/29C. More October HIGH MINIMUMS in TOGO and GHANA.”
“Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and Tanzania with up to 44C [111.2F] and 42C at 1000m asl. MONTHLY RECORDS – 36.0 Kilimanjaro AP, TANZANIA; ZAMBIA Hottest night in history in several stations with MINS up to 27C at 700m asl. High MIN 26.1 Beira MOZAMBIQUE.” [Extreme Temps]
“800,000 Somalis threatened by flooding displacement: UN…
““We are looking at the possibility of hundreds of thousands of people losing their homes in just a matter of weeks,” said Manuel Marques Pereira, the IOM’s Somalia chief of mission. “Many of these families have already been displaced before and have very little left to fall back on.”
“Mauritius Drought Sparked Riots in Indian Ocean Beach Paradise.
“For four days, all Nooreshan Dilkholaust heard when he turned on a tap at his home in Clairfonds south of the Mauritian capital was the whistle of dry air. The 50-year-old caterer banded together with his neighbors to buy 10,000 liters of water they needed to run their households, spending about about $170. By the night of Oct. 7, they’d had enough.”
“MINIMUMS >31C on a 21 October in Kuwait (Umm al Maradin,Qaruh Island) and Emirates (Aryla). MINS up to 23C on the Caspian Sea. MINS 27C in Libya. MINS >30C [86F] will continue for WEEKS.” [Extreme Temps]
“A powerful dust storm hits the Dashtiari region in Sistan and Baluchestan Province in southeastern Iran, where thick clouds of dust swept through the area, obscuring visibility and covering the sky.
“Pakistan’s factory workers swelter in extreme heat as global brands fail on safety pledges…
“Siddiqui, who The Associated Press is identifying only by surname because she fears retaliation by her employer, felt like she was suffocating. Concerned co-workers called over her supervisor. “The supervisor said, ‘Just complete this work,’” Siddiqui, 28, told The Associated Press. “Suddenly darkness came before my eyes.””
“The Thane-Belapur Industrial Area (TBIA) weather station broke its monthly record again with 38.8C [101.8F] today. The 7 hottest October days sinc 2003 all occurred this month.” [Extreme Temps]
“Bangladesh garment factory workers bear the brunt of rising temperatures.
“Extreme heat is becoming a workplace health crisis for Bangladesh’s garment workers amid rising temperatures and prolonged heat waves, increasing concerns about occupational heat exposure… Besides health risks, extreme heat also creates economic losses for factories.”
“Hong Kong bakes in record October heat as latest-ever Very Hot Weather Warning raised…
“According to iCable, he added that Hongkongers should expect a hotter winter this year – or perhaps the hottest in history – as the super El Niño phenomenon is expected to last until next spring. The Observatory predicts that the city will continue to see highs of above 30 degrees Celsius until next Wednesday.”
“Tokyo, Osaka temperatures top 30°C later in year than ever before.
“Tokyo climbed above 30°C [86F] by early afternoon, the threshold the Japan Meteorological Agency classifies as a “midsummer day”, JMA data science official Kazuhiro Shirono told AFP. It marked the latest 30°C-plus day recorded in the Japanese capital since observations began in 1875, he said.”
“Bukang-i is back: famous shark returns to canal in South Korea hours after being coaxed out to sea…
“An oceans ministry official said this week the shark appeared to have difficulty maintaining balance. Environmental groups have linked the shark’s appearance in the canal to warming seas, saying rising temperatures are pushing warm-water fish northwards, with subtropical sharks following in pursuit.”
“South Korean Seas Record Second-Hottest Summer on Record…
“…the average surface water temperature of South Korean seas from July to September this year recorded 26.95 degrees Celsius. This is 1.49 degrees higher than the annual average (1991–2020). It is the second highest on record, following last year, which was the hottest at 27.75 degrees.”
“Over 600,000 hectares of standing crops may be affected by Super Typhoon Rosal aka Champi as it moves over the northern portion of Luzon [Philippines], the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday…
“Of the total area, 492,322 hectares are planted with rice, while 133,695 hectares are planted with corn, the department added.”
“Taiwan cancels over 100 flights as Super Typhoon Champi churns towards island…
“Super Typhoon Champi is now the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained wind speeds of nearly 185mph, according to the US National Weather Service. The typhoon was moving west-northwest across the Philippine Sea with sustained winds of 175mph on Wednesday evening.”
“October records: THAILAND – 37.4 [99.3F] Mae Sariang, 36.7 Lamphun, 34.3 Bangkok Pilot; INDONESIA – 38.3 Banjarmasin is KALIMANTAN ALL TIME RECORD; MYANMAR – 38.0 Sagaing; LAOS – 35.9 Houei Sai; PHILIPPINES – 35.3 Ambulong… Also Hanimadhoo Min 28.6 Max. 34.9 MALDIVES HOTTEST OCTOBER DAY & NIGHT EVER.” [Extreme Temps]
October minimum records: PERU – 24.4 [75.9F] Trujillo, 22.6 Pisco, 18.4 Tacna; CHILE – 21.0 Arica October National record broken/Tied for the 21st time in 21 days!”
“Torrential rainfall flooded streets, markets and homes in Piura, Peru, on Tuesday as El Niño conditions threaten to get worse.
“Meteorologists expect conditions to worsen beginning in November, bringing flash flooding and mudslides that could damage Peru’s agriculture industry. Government officials expect El Niño to put 1.2 million people in Peru at risk.”
“Tornado in the Maule Region: Phenomenon Wreaked havoc [Chile].
“On Wednesday, 21 October 2026, a tornado struck the municipality of Retiro in Chile’s Maule Region, damaging nearly ten homes, uprooting trees, and knocking down structures. The damage was concentrated heavily within the Maitenes and Huaso Chileno sectors of Retiro.”
“Scientists alarmed by dozens of whale deaths along Argentina’s coast.
“An unusual die-off of both calves and adult southern right whales has been detected in Patagonian waters since July, prompting investigations into the effects of a bacterium and harmful algal blooms.”
“Heavy rains linked to the El Niño climate phenomenon have triggered severe flooding across southern and eastern Paraguay, forcing thousands of families to evacuate their homes.”
“The Amazon in flames: Brazil’s rainforest burns amid El Niño and election tensions.
“Concern for the future of the Brazilian Amazon is conspicuously absent from the frenzy of Brazil’s election campaign. But for the more than two million residents of Manaus, the large city embedded in the heart of the rainforest, it is impossible to ignore. The city has been shrouded in smoke for weeks.”
“Extraordinary record heat is sweeping all tropical Americas… Today the Vc Bird International Airport rose to 34.4C [93.9F]. which is the HIGHEST OCTOBER TEMPERATURE EVER RECORDED IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA… 29.3 BONAIRE Caribbean Netherlands is highest October min.” [Extreme Temps]
“‘Daily struggle’: Cubans dig wells in search of water…
“Water difficulties are forcing many Cubans to haul the precious resource for long distances, transporting it via wheelbarrows, bicycles, car trunks and even horse-drawn carts. Maykel Aguilar, 30, patiently filled a 200-liter tank and several buckets at a pipe connected to a spring on a street in the capital’s old town.”
“Honduran farmers struggle to feed their families as drought destroys crops across Central America.
“Global warming is intensifying the El Niño weather pattern and prolonging drought across Central America’s Dry Corridor. In Honduras, the government is turning to a controversial climate-mitigation technique known as cloud seeding.”
“The hidden water crisis beneath the American west…
““We don’t have enough groundwater or enough pumps,” said Miller, a fifth-generation farmer who grows alfalfa and cotton. Some wells have gone dry, said the 35-year-old, who has had to leave some of his land fallow. “We try not to go broke doing anything,” he told the FT. “It’s getting tough.””
“Hail the size of golf balls pummel parts of Arizona as rare storm moves through the West.
“Hail pummeled people’s roofs, shattered windows and dented cars. Tornado watches were issued for multiple areas — the first the state has seen since Oct. 6, 2010. “This is very unusual for this area at this time of the year,” said Ryan Bernhart, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Flagstaff.”
“Trump admin cuts to satellites will set back US weather forecasting by a decade, experts say.
“The Trump administration’s cuts to weather satellites will set the country back nearly a decade, experts say. The loss of data used to observe, forecast and research extreme weather could prevent the country from making major advances in weather prediction in the coming years.”
“Nanaimo on pace for driest October on record [BC]…
““It’s not necessarily attributed to El Niño, though. There’s been this ridge of high pressure over the Pacific that’s kind of put up a blocking pattern and pushed the fall storms north towards Alaska and the Yukon instead of southern British Columbia.””
“Ketchikan declares state of emergency after landslide knocks out Ward Cove substation [Alaska].
“Borough Mayor Austin Otos and City Mayor Bob Sivertsen signed the joint declaration Oct. 16, citing a severe rain and wind event… Initial estimates put the cost to repair the Ward Cove substation at up to $1.59 million — a cost that exceeds available resources for KPU and the city, according to the declaration.”
“The risk from landslide tsunamis is intensifying in busy Alaska fjords, with no plan in place.
“Public awareness of landslide tsunamis has surged since August of 2025, when the second-tallest tsunami on record hit Tracy Arm, a fjord south of Juneau frequented by cruise ships… experts say the near miss highlighted a threat that appears to be intensifying with climate change.”
“Global warming will breach 1.5°C – but deep, fast cuts can still bring it back [says UN].
“…returning to or below the 1.5 threshold can be done, particularly as evidence increasingly shows how climate policies have reduced emissions… We must triple renewable energy capacity and doubling the annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030… Shift away from fossil fuels in energy systems etc.”
“Giant ‘heat storms’ are scorching the Earth. This is the story of the biggest one on record…
“The largest heat storm on record – the one that lasted for 367 days over 2023-2024 and reached almost 85% of the globe – sent temperatures in parts of the Philippines up to 38 C (100.5 F), immiserating students… As the same heat storm encased southern Louisiana for months, it exacerbated a historic drought.”
“One of the food shocks the world should worry about most will not begin on any one farm. It will begin upstream, in the machinery of ocean currents and jet streams that quietly links a paddy field in Punjab to a wheat belt in France and a maize crop in the American Midwest.”
As a reader-funded publication, your one time and regular donations help keep this site going. If you value this work, please share it far and wide and consider a Patreon subscription or a one time Paypal donation. You can also support this work by buying a virtual coffee. Thank you!
You can read the previous “Climate” thead here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.
Many thanks to my friend Barry Smiler for being October’s sponsor. Do take a look at his climate site, which nicely complements mine. He recently added some nifty enhancements to his Research page. And for your climate listening pleasure, he suggests this little song.
“”The “statistial significance” of this model is overwhelming, i.e. we can resoundingly reject the hypothesis that global average Sea Surface Temp has warmed at the same rate for the last several decades.
“It’s a lot faster now (about 0.3°C/dec) than it was before 2012 (less than 0.1°C/dec). Many would call this a tripling of Sea Surface Temperature increase.
“Which isn’t very surprising, as Earth’s Energy Imbalance has tripled and 90% of global heat accumulation is directed to warming the oceans.” [Leon Simons]
“Nearly half of world’s reef-building coral species face extinction risk: Study…
“Nearly 44% of the world’s reef-building coral species face an elevated risk of extinction, primarily due to rising ocean temperatures linked to climate change, according to a new study. The research, published Thursday in the scientific journal Nature, assessed 892 reef-building coral species…”
“Factoring daily weather extremes into glacier models reveals greater ice loss and faster sea-level rise.
“A new study led by researchers at ETH Zurich (Switzerland) and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium) reveals that glaciers worldwide could lose ice faster than previously projected. Published in Nature Communications, the research shows that accounting for daily weather variability leads to more realistic simulations of glacier melt…”
“Tap water no longer drinkable in Norwegian town as climate-related thawing releases heavy metals…
“Longyearbyen, in the archipelago of Svalbard, gets its main drinking water supply from a 1.5 mile-long (2.5km) dammed lake called Isdammen… Higher temperatures as a result of the climate crisis have thawed permafrost, leading to newly exposed bedrock leaching metals into the pond.”
“EU softens Arctic oil stance in draft strategy as Norway expands Barents licensing.
“A draft of the strategy, seen by Bloomberg, contains no references to a moratorium on new oil and gas drilling in the Arctic, marking a shift in wording from the EU’s 2021 stance. The wording has been a topic of intense discussions between the trade bloc and Norway…”
“Hailstorm Raphaela sets Europe convective storm loss record.
“The severe convective storms that hit France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy in late August caused an insured loss of €3.296 billion, according to PERILS. That makes it Europe’s costliest convective storm event in the Zurich-based data provider’s records.”
“Europe records highest ever number of West Nile Virus cases.
“Mainland Europe has seen the largest number of cases of a debilitating mosquito-borne illness, with Italy hardest hit by the disease. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control there have been 1,715 locally acquired cases of West Nile Virus so far this year, compared to 989 cases at the same point last year…”
“Heat deaths doubled in Belgium during the June 2026 heat wave.
“A new rapid attribution study by Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) finds that human-induced climate change made the June 2026 heat wave in Belgium 3.9°C hotter and more than doubled the number of heat-related deaths… The June 2026 heat wave was Belgium’s deadliest on record.”
“Swiss railways records fourfold rise in heat-related track warping.
“When asked about this, SBB confirmed the figure of 97 cases of warping and compression-induced deformation reported in the SonntagsZeitung. According to the newspaper, this figure is nearly four times higher than that of the previous year.”
“How the Climate Crisis Fueled the Youth Protests Roiling France…
“Students protesting this week outside high schools in the Paris area described a raft of problems in their buildings that made them feel abandoned by their government… For many, this year’s record heat waves were a breaking point that highlighted their schools’ inability to keep students safe in a warming climate.”
“And two it is! Over 300 mm [12 inches] of rain in just a few hours are expected on the same areas hit on September 30 last [in southern France], with likely a new RED VIGILANCE alert triggered in the afternoon.
“But this time, the hydrological situation is radically different. In these same territories, the soils are now filled to 70 to 90% of their water retention capacity, raising fears of an extremely rapid saturation and major flooding.” [Dr Serge Zaka]
“Spain floods kill four as torrential rain inundates eastern regions.
“Torrential rain battered eastern Spain on Monday, killing at least four people in recent days as floodwaters swept away cars, submerged roads and stranded residents. Emergency crews carried out more than 400 rescues in Valencia, where rainfall reached 700 mm’s [27.5 inches] in 24 hours in some areas.”
“Although the rains that have been sweeping across the western Mediterranean since yesterday will help to cool the sea a bit and sap some of its energy, as of today there’s still A TON of fuel left to generate major storms the moment the atmosphere’s dynamics become conducive to it.
“The water near our coasts is 4 to 5 degrees warmer than normal today, and we’re already heading into November! …. Unbelievable!!” [Mario Picazo]
“The rains do not subside: the death toll from mudslides in Turkey continues to rise.
“In the Turkish cities of Istanbul and Kocaeli, the number of people killed as a result of mudslides caused by incessant rains has risen to 9… As a reminder, the heavy rains that have been continuing for several days in a number of Turkish cities have led to serious consequences. According to forecasters, precipitation in Turkey will continue.”
“Forgotten weather records reveal a dramatic rise in extreme heat…
“Across dozens of weather stations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the hottest days of the year became nearly twice as common between the 1960s and the 1980s. In its 2021 report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) didn’t assess that kind of change, mainly because the measurements were missing.”
“More October records last days: 41.8C [107.2F] Mongo, CHAD. Today MINIMUM 27.7C Ouagadougou, BURKINA FASO – October hottest night. Minimums up to 25C in Tunisia. Further south 44C in Southern Africa (next days 45C+).” [Extreme Temps]
“MINIMUM 32.4C [90.3F] Qarnen EMIRATES; MINIMUMS >30C in Emirates, Saudi, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Iran. 5TH TROPICAL NIGHT IN RUSSIA AND KAZAKHSTAN. More records like in Kotelnikovo, Derbety etc. Min 23.2 Poti is GEORGIA HOTTEST OCTOBER NIGHT. Crazy.” [Extreme Temps]
“Brikesh Singh from Asar Social Impact Advisors, which is one of the collaborators on the album, said music helped express the challenge faced. “If we want to reach out to people who are experiencing the climate crisis, we need to change how society tells those stories,” Singh said.”
“Chennai’s northeast monsoon debut has delivered an extraordinary burst of rainfall, with North Chennai recording more than 300 mm in 24 hours at individual rain gauges, raising questions about the limits of weather forecasting and the ability of disaster management agencies to prepare for hyperlocal extreme events.”
“The rare, widespread heavy rainfall that began in China in mid-October is continuing; some areas in Hunan and Hubei have recorded up to 260mm [10.2 inches] of rain within 24 hours, triggering floods that have surpassed warning levels.”
“Heyuan, Huaiji and Lianzhou in Guangdong broke the record for the latest 35C [95F] in local observation history. With the addition of Shangyou in Jiangxi and Jianning in Fujian, five stations have broken the record for the latest 35C day today.” [Extreme Temps]
“Night Minimum Temperatures widespread >20C [68F] in the South up to 27C! New record of October highest Minimum at Matsuura with a Min of 23.4C. Tomorrow Wednesday will be exceptionally warm in all Southern half of Japan (widespread 30s).” [Extreme Temps]
“Summer weather continues and worsen all over East Asia. 30C [86F] in North Korea, Tropical nights in South Korea (MINIMUM Up to 23.4C, typical of mid Summer). There has never been anything like this so late.” [Extreme Temps]
“Record autumn downpour floods Seoul as El Niño raises rainfall concerns.
“Unusually heavy autumn rain battered Seoul and other parts of the country on Sunday, causing flooding in some areas, with a strengthening El Niño expected to bring more rain later this fall… Strong winds also brought down leaves, which accumulated and clogged storm drains.”
“Singapore threatens lawsuit over Indonesian wildfire haze – as oxygen tank and air purifier sales surge.
“Indonesia’s neighbours are growing angrier over the haze from its wildfires, with Singapore threatening to prosecute companies, and families across Southeast Asia are rushing to buy oxygen tanks and air purifiers.”
“NZ’s climate in ‘uncharted territory,’ with more extreme weather events ahead.
“Much is being made of a record-strength El Niño event that could well spell a drier, windier summer for the north and east of New Zealand. But, as a major new assessment shows, it is forming against a backdrop of warming that’s pushed the country’s climate into “uncharted territory.””
“Exceptional mildness in ANTARCTICA. Record after record:
“+11.1C [52F] Vernadsky (Ukraine Base); +10.2 Palmer Station (US Base) – both pulverized their October records of highest temperatures with huge margins,after the records of 3 Argentine stations.” [Extreme Temps]
“The latest update to region Nino 3.4 sea surface temperature is not only a preliminary new record daily high, but also a new record anomaly, now 3.46C above the 1991 to 2020 baseline.”
“SOUTH AMERICA RECORD HEAT. Another avalanche of monthly records:
“PERU: Lima AP 28.2C [82.8F]. RECORD HIGH MINIMUMS – GUYANA: 27.4 Lethem; PERU: 24.4 Chiclayo; ECUADOR: 25.2 Portoviejo; CHILE: 21.1 Arica NATIONAL OCTOBER RECORD AGAIN, 21.0 Iquique, 18.8 Antofagasta, 14.4 La Serena.” [Extreme Temps]
“Three Dead After Avalanche Sweeps Backcountry Mountaineers Into Lagoon in Chile…
“The tragedy occurred amid unusual spring snowfall in the central Andes, where rising temperatures have increased avalanche danger… After a slow start, a series of powerful winter storms delivered record-breaking accumulations at several resorts. Portillo reported nearly 40 feet of snowfall for the season.”
“A new wave of wildfires in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, with more than 1,900 fire hotspots reported so far in October, has triggered a severe environmental and public health crisis in northern Brazil.
“Thick smoke forced authorities to suspend classes and in-person work in Manaus on Monday, while health facilities struggled with an influx of patients…”
“How the gold boom is fuelling tree loss from Ghana to the Amazon.
“The surging global demand for gold has triggered a massive price spike—surging more than 120% over five years—turning the mineral into the single largest driver of mining-related deforestation worldwide. Fueled by geopolitical instability, this economic boom is driving destructive, often illegal wildcat mining operations…”
“A landslide at an illegal gold mine in southwestern Colombia killed 14 people and injured seven, a regional official said Monday.
“Armed groups in Narino, an illegal mining hotspot on the border with Ecuador, control the clandestine gold trade as well as trafficking drugs and engaging in extortion.”
“To keep the Panama Canal flowing, the living and the dead must pay the price…
“When Maricel Sánchez’s family buried her grandmother 15 years ago, she never expected she would have to dig her back up one day. But that’s the morbid situation she faces due to plans by the Panama Canal Authority to build a new reservoir that will feed the crucial waterway that handles about 5% of the world’s shipping.”
“Flooded houses and collapsed bridges after heavy rains [Costa Rica]…
“The National Emergency Commission (CNE) reported that the largest number of reports are concentrated in the cantons of San Pablo and San Rafael de Heredia, although cases are also registered in Santo Domingo, Flores and the central canton of Heredia.”
“36.6C [97.9F] at Mazatlan, it’s a new record of October highest temperature. Mazatlan has been breaking records no-stop for 2 years, every month.” [Extreme Temps]
“Critically endangered vaquita porpoise at greater risk of extinction as Mexico cuts protections.
“Mexico has weakened protections for the critically endangered vaquita porpoise, opening vast new areas in the Upper Gulf of California to the deadly gillnet fishing which has driven the species’ precipitous decline. Scientists estimate that only about 10 vaquitas remain, down from nearly 600 animals in 1997.”
“The ocean waters off California have never been this warm this late in the year.
“Water temps hit over 75°F off San Diego today, over 70°F off the Central Coast and near 67°F at Monterey. Ocean temperature anomalies are approaching +10°F in some areas.” [Colin McCarthy]
“Oklahoma Families Faced the Hottest Summer Ever and an Electricity Crisis…
“Many states, including Oklahoma, enforce rules that prevent utility companies from disconnecting electricity during peak summer heat waves (e.g., when the heat index rises above 101 degrees). Because those protections expire as autumn temperatures dip, household utility disconnections drastically peak in October.”
“More than 1,000 birds were injured or killed in building collisions over the weekend in Chicago, according to a report.
“The Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, a volunteer-led conservation group working to protect migratory birds in the Windy City, were downtown Saturday and Sunday to rescue injured birds and document those that died…”
“Ashland Record fall heat wave stirs up ladybugs, gnats and singing sparrows [Wisconsin].
“The high temperatures triggered sudden, intense activity from local ladybugs and gnats. Confused Birds: The heat wave even caused local sparrows to start singing out of season, a behavior typically reserved for spring mating and territorial displays.”
“Drought, heat wave leaves Mount Hood barren by early fall.
“A towering white Mount Hood has long defined Portland’s eastern skyline. But for the last few weeks, the peak has looked less like a glacier-topped mountain and more like a large, gray rock… Oregon broke records for lowest snow levels last winter.“
“Loss of a rare lake reveals how warming has hit the Canadian Arctic’s ‘planetary fridge’.
“Canada’s last remaining epishelf lake has disappeared and isn’t coming back, a recent study confirms… There were once as many as 17 epishelf lakes along the north coast of Ellesmere Island in the Canadian Arctic, but over the past few decades all have disappeared due to warming from human-caused climate change.”
“It now looks like the 4-year anomaly will break 1.50°C long before the date the Climate Casino previously gave of November 17th and could possibly break 1.50°C by the end of October!” [Prof Eliot Jacobson]
“The problem with telling people the world is ending…
“The problem with doomerism isn’t necessarily that the risks are exaggerated, but that it may create a self-fulfilling prophecy – by engendering helplessness, rather than galvanising people… My PhD student Danielle Goldwert has found that telling people about the potential emotional benefits of climate action – such as increased hope and connection – makes them significantly more likely to take action.”
“US company announces progress toward resurrecting the extinct dodo.
“Dallas-based Colossal Biosciences …is planning to perform gene-editing to bring dodo traits into the cells of its closest living relative, the Nicobar pigeon. Native to some Southeast Asian islands, the Nicobar pigeon is known for its shimmering green and copper feathers and, unlike the dodo, can fly.”
As a reader-funded publication, your one time and regular donations help keep this site going. If you value this work, please share it far and wide and consider a Patreon subscription or a one time Paypal donation. You can also support this work by buying a virtual coffee. Thank you!
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.
Many thanks to my friend Barry Smiler for being October’s sponsor. Do take a look at his climate site, which nicely complements mine. He recently added some nifty enhancements to his Research page. And for your climate listening pleasure, he suggests this little song.
“There’s a Powerful, Hidden Force Behind Migration: Climate Change.
“80,000 people crossed into Ceuta this summer. Few mentioned drought or heat. Both helped push them out… “Every story of human movement now is a climate story, whether we like it or not,” said Petra Molnar, a lawyer and researcher who has spent years documenting what she calls “border necrotechnics”—the lethal blend of law, racism, and technology at borders.”
“Arctic sea ice hits another troubling low in 2026.
“Arctic sea ice is shrinking in both winter and summer, with satellite records revealing that the region’s remaining ice is becoming thinner, younger, and more vulnerable to melting. Despite a recent slowdown in summer losses, scientists warn that the Arctic could experience a nearly ice-free summer before 2050.”
“The extreme ‘warmth’ over western Siberia and extending into the Kara Sea has been extremely persistent for the last few months. September continued with this widespread anomaly, exceeding 5°C above the 1981-2010 average.
“The ground at a nature reserve that was ravaged during a huge wildfire in the summer is still recording high temperatures almost three months on [UK].
“Parts of Dunwich Heath and neighbouring RSPB Minsmere on the Suffolk coast were destroyed during the fire on 29 July, and it took the fire service nearly two weeks to stand down from the scene.”
“Severe drought declared in six areas of England as reservoirs run low…
“Parts of Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex have moved into severe drought, and urgent measures are being taken to secure public supplies of water after the UK experienced its hottest summer on record.”
“UK farmers face crisis as 86% struggle to plan ahead.
“More than a quarter of respondents, 27%, said they had made a loss or broken even over the past year. A further 29% reported profits of between 1% and 5%. Two in five farmers, 42%, said they had considered leaving the industry because of financial pressures, while 40% questioned whether they would still be farming in 10 years.“
“France Ups Farmer Aid to About €2 Billion After Extreme Weather, Fuel Prices…
“France is increasing aid to farmers to as much as €2 billion ($2.2 billion) to help them cope with the devastating effects of extreme weather and high fuel and fertilizer prices. The government is allocating between €500 million and €700 million for an agriculture recovery plan…”
“France’s summer wildfires could cost insurers up to 563 mln euros.
“Wildfires that swept through France this summer resulted in around 22,500 insurance claims, with total losses estimated at up to 563 million euros ($634 million), the federation of insurers said on Friday. France experienced its hottest summer on record in 2026, marked by heatwaves, drought and massive wildfires.”
“HISTORIC HEAT IN FRANCE 32C [89.6F] – dozens of stations >30C. Like a mid summer day. [Some parts of France have seen 30C+ temps since April now].
“But if you think this is exceptional. wait to what it s going on in Russia (those temperatures are at high elevations), a mind blowing heat which is rewriting world climatology anew.” [Extreme Temps]
“Spain sizzles in hottest September on record: Weather agency…
“The announcement is the latest in a series of new temperature records this year across Europe, scorched by successive summer heat waves that scientists say were turbocharged by human-driven climate change. The average temperature in September was 22.5C (72.5 degrees Fahrenheit), 3.4C above the norm for the 1991–2020 reference period…”
“Huge boulder leaves scores stranded on famed Greece beach.
“Emergency crews on the Greek island of Rhodes on Friday were working to restore access to one of its most famous beaches after a landslide dislodged a giant boulder that left scores of people stranded. The huge rock came crashing downhill on Thursday and blocked the only access road to the beach…”
“Meteorological Department warns ‘the danger has not passed’: It is coming very strong again [Turkiye].
“A new wave of rainy weather is affecting Turkey after the downpours that broke the record of the last 84 years and caused floods in the Marmara region on Wednesday. While the General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM) issued yellow and orange coded warnings for 45 provinces, it was announced that the intensity of the precipitation will increase…”
“Abnormal heat is set to smash nearly every record next weeks in the Gulf of Guinea area, especially of highest Minimums. Yesterday the first record fell: minimum 26.5C [79.7F] at Wa, GHANA – the highest ever recorded in October.” [Extreme Temps]
“The destruction releases vast stores of carbon, adding to climate change that is already contributing to drought and forest fires across the tropics. Expanding farming, timber, and mining activities are driving the clearances in the basin, which is home to the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, the Forest Declaration Assessment group said.”
“HISTORIC HEAT ALERT. Exceptional heat continues in Southern Africa with widespread 40C+ [104F].
“Next week brutal heat will also encompass Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. Temperatures in parts of Mozambique and Malawi can reach 43/45C for 5 consecutive days.” [Extreme Temps]
“Hundreds of people marched to Parliament on Friday [South Africa], demanding action on the climate crisis and unfolding El Niño conditions, which pose a growing threat to food systems across Southern Africa…
“‘It is high time. For too long, poor small-scale farmers, impoverished communities have been entrapped in poverty, and we’re saying enough of the injustices, inequality and unfairness,’ said Wendy Roebeck from the CJCM.”
“Hundreds of children have died of starvation and disease in a drought in Sudan caused by the record-breaking El Niño. The risk of this leading to a full-blown famine is growing.
“Almost half the country is experiencing drought, which in some areas is the worst in decades, according to a warning from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification…”
“As El Nino builds, East Africa’s health systems can’t afford to wait for the rains.
“In October 1997, the short rains came early and did not stop. In Somalia, the Juba and Shabelle rivers burst their banks. Across the Greater Horn of Africa, cholera, malaria and Rift Valley fever followed the floodwaters into communities that had lost their clean water and their clinics. More than 2,800 people died.”
“Hailstones and Strong Winds Smash Car Window in the UAE.
“A dramatic viral video shared on social media on October 15, 2026, captured the moment large hailstones and powerful winds shattered a car window as an intense wave of unstable weather swept across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Chunks of falling ice pelted vehicles, cracked windshields, and quickly carpeted major desert highways…”
“Terrifying scenes document the intensity of the exceptional thunderstorm that struck the western Aleppo countryside on the evening of Wednesday, October 14, 2026, accompanied by violent downdraft winds, heavy hailstone falls, and torrential rains, amid reports of damage to properties and crops.”
“INSANE, ABSURD, UNREAL – MID OCTOBER AIR-CON NEEDED ON RUSSIAN MOUNTAINS [Central Asia].
“TROPICAL NIGHTS & 32C [89.6F] in RUSSIA at 1000m asl – 32.0C Akhty-Dagestan. 4 Republics >30C: Chechnya, Dagestan, North Ossetia and Ingushetia. Tropical nights also in Kazakhstan. World climatic history is rewritten.” [Extreme Temps]
“In Pakistan, the average temperature during the 2026 monsoon season reached 30.7°C, the highest figure in 66 years. The previous record was 30.6°C and was set in 2019, The Express Tribune reports, citing a report by the Pakistan Meteorological Department.”
“Heavy rains, hailstorms, and thunderstorms have hit several northern states in India for the second time in four days, causing severe damage to standing crops.
“The unusual weather has been triggered by a combination of a western disturbance, cyclonic circulations over northern Punjab and southern Haryana, and an associated atmospheric trough.”
“Karnataka reservoir storage down 30% as water crisis looms [southern India].
“Karnataka is heading into the post-southwest monsoon season with nearly 30% less water in its reservoirs compared to the same period last year. A severe 30% monsoon rainfall deficit has left 226 out of 240 taluks in the state declared drought-hit, triggering early warnings of impending drinking water and power shortages.”
“El Niño and heat inequality: The politics of staying cool in a warming Bangladesh.
“As climate change accelerates, extreme heatwaves are no longer rare seasonal events; they have become a harsh, everyday reality across Bangladesh. While rising global temperatures affect the entire country, the physical, economic and social impacts of extreme heat are not shared equally.”
“‘Unprecedented’: how cascading disasters are devastating Nepal.
“Nepal has weathered three disasters in six weeks, including the deadly August flash flood, making this year one of the deadliest in a country where monsoon rains already frequently wreak havoc. Experts warn that climate change is only making matters worse.”
“Celebrity shark trapped in South Korean canal stirs concerns over warming seas…
“Bukangi, a shark named after the waterfront park where she is trapped, has attracted nearly 1.4 million spectators since she was first spotted in mid-September in the southeastern coastal city, according to local authorities. At least two failed attempts to guide the shark from the canal to the open sea have added to the spectacle…”
“Ho Chi Minh City experiences record rainfall and unusually hot weather…
“[But] the unusually rainy season in Ho Chi Minh City and Southern Vietnam is about to end, giving way to an exceptionally harsh dry season due to the impact of a very strong El Nino… The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) reports that in the first 15 days of October alone, the country recorded 59 instances of daily high temperatures exceeding or reaching historical records.”
“Record heat seems eternal in Thailand (1400+ days breaking records no-stop) and all SE Asia. October records broken today: THAILAND – 36.4 Trang, 36.2 [97.5F] Samutprakaan; LAOS – 36.8 Sekong, 35.5 Saravane; MYANMAR – 36.7 Victoria Point; INDONESIA – Min 27.8 Palu.” [Extreme Temps]
“East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud, who was spotted having breakfast with his wife at the famous integrated resort Marina Bay Sands …social media users accused him of going on a jaunt while ignoring the plight of residents gasping for clean air, calling the politician “Indonesia’s Marie Antoinette” and his actions “tone deaf”.”
“Deadly bird flu reaches remote Australian wildlife sanctuary.
“A deadly strain of bird flu has reached one of Australia’s most remote wildlife havens, home to threatened and endangered species. The H5 strain was confirmed in a southern elephant seal and a kelp gull on Macquarie Island, marking the island’s first recorded outbreak.”
“Sharks, rays and wobbegongs: South Australian algal bloom killed more than 8,000 creatures.
“Prof Charlie Huveneers, a shark ecologist at Flinders University, said the bloom had potentially led to the collapse of some local populations. “The scale of the harmful algal bloom is unprecedented, the number and diversity of shark and ray species impacted is something never seen before.””
“This year remains on track to become Australia’s wettest El Niño year on record, and the first ever with above-average national winter-spring rainfall.
“October has been particularly damp thanks to an ongoing outbreak of showers and thunderstorms forecast to affect more than half the country during the next seven days.”
“Scientists knew the Doomsday Glacier was melting. They didn’t realize how ‘aggressively’ [Thwaites, Antarctica].
“The planet’s widest glacier is melting “more aggressively” than previously projected, meaning its impacts on global sea level rise could be double current estimates, according to new research by a team of glaciologists.”
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“This El Niño is becoming so east based that we might have to start looking more closely at the Nino 3 region since sea surface temperatures there are nearly the same as Niño 3.4.
“Peru has faced relentless temperature records from this El Niño, and it’s set to intensify even further [eg Lima Callao breaking its October record of high minimum every day this month].
“The Niño 1+2 region is predicted to reach 6°C above average by late November!”
“Peru: Cusco Wildfires Leave Six Dead and One Person Seriously Injured.
“Forest fires in the Peruvian region of Cusco have resulted in six deaths and one serious injury, official sources reported on Thursday. Authorities have bolstered response efforts by deploying aerial assets and have urged the public to refrain from burning grasslands and agricultural waste.”
“Exceptional MINIMUM of 26.7C at Guayaquil, which re-re-re….-breaks the record of October hottest night and even approaches the all time, with months of further warming ahead. Sea water temperatures are approaching 30C [86F]. Absolutely crazy and unprecedented.” [Extreme Temps]
“Climate crisis leaves Amazon farmers needing wells and cisterns…
“We visited some families, and I could see the despair in the farmers’ eyes as they faced a situation they did not know how to handle. They had the strength, skills, and potential to produce, but they could not cope with the drought and destructive heat.”
“The vibrant city of Sao Paulo has been plunged into a great moment of panic and vehicular chaos due to the heavy rains…
“One of the most critical and dramatic incidents has been reported in the Anhangabaú Valley tunnel, where the rapid accumulation of water in the tunnel left dozens of vehicles trapped, turning the road into a water trap.”
“Heavy rains in Soacha: this is how the La Esperanza sector was left after the floods [Colombia]…
“The governor of Cundinamarca, Jorge Emilio Rey, confirmed that the most serious episode of the month occurred in Soacha, where a motorcyclist lost his life and two other people were seriously injured… The emergency also affected mobility on the South Highway, at the height of Terreros, where several vehicles were trapped…”
“Captured on video – a derecho that caused damage to more than 300 homes; roofs were detached and there were power outages [Colombia].
“The strong winds that were recorded in the Colombian municipality of Funza, located in the department of Cundinamarca, caused serious damage to more than 300 homes, where roofs were detached, facades were damaged, but trees and even electricity poles also fell.”
“Hurricane Trudy strengthened to a major, Category 3 hurricane and forecasters said the storm was headed to the southwestern and west-central areas of Mexico’s Pacific coast…
“A hurricane warning was in effect for Mexico’s coast from Cabo Corrientes northward to Punta San Telmo, while a tropical storm warning was issued from Zihuatanejo up the coast to Manzanillo, the center said.”
“Worsening water crisis sparks protests in Mexico’s Guadalajara…
“A major protest last weekend put the issue in the national spotlight after police deployed water cannons and tear gas, dozens of people were injured… The crisis has intensified scrutiny of water management across a metropolitan area of more than five million people that is also Mexico’s largest industrial and manufacturing center.”
“Flash flooding sparks dozens of high-water rescues in Midland [Texas]…
“According to data released Friday by city officials, the Midland Fire Department received 71 high-water-related calls in a span of less than three hours, from 10:49 a.m. to 1:21 p.m. during the October 15 weather event. Fire personnel responded to 36 vehicle rescue calls as motorists encountered flooded roadways.”
“Finally looking at some more widespread cooler-than-normal temperatures across the CONUS this weekend, but the reprieve looks to be short-lived!
“By Tuesday, it looks like we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled “Augtober,” with large portions of the central U.S. potentially seeing several consecutive days of temperatures 15–20°F above normal. If this forecast verifies, I think it’ll go a long way toward securing our FOURTH consecutive record-warm month.” [The Global Warmer]
“New wildfire in Southern California explodes in size, burning multiple homes.
“The Norte Fire began around noon near a neighborhood in the San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano areas and by Friday evening had grown to 570 acres acres with zero percent containment, the Orange County Fire Authority said. It’s one of several fires that have broken out since Thursday amid fierce Santa Ana winds…”
“After year in distress, sea lion has plastic debris removed from its neck…
“A California sea lion that spent a year with an industrial band cutting into its neck finally had the marine debris cut away this month at Race Rocks Ecological Preserve off Metchosin. The entangled marine mammal was first reported in October 2025, but didn’t stay in the area long enough for the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society to intervene…”
“Legal gaps allow rampant pet trade, poaching reptiles and amphibians towards extinction…
“The trade is lucrative — estimated to be worth some $2.5 billion — and comes with little risk. It’s often unregulated. Smugglers are rarely caught, and if they are, they get off by paying a small fine, which is absorbed as the cost of doing business.”
“Plastic industry bookkeeping plans hide chemical recycling harms, critics say…
“As scientists and dozens of nations call for major reductions in plastic production, the plastics industry continues to push pyrolysis — dubbed chemical or advanced recycling — as a primary solution to the global plastic waste crisis. Critics say pyrolysis is not a viable solution, but rather an attempt by the industry to rebrand incineration as an environmentally sound recycling process…”
“Climate Change Is Turning Rare Mycotoxin Outbreaks Into a Year-Round, Multi-Toxin Threat.
“For decades, food safety specialists treated major mycotoxin contamination events as the proverbial black swans of agriculture: rare, high-impact episodes that defied prediction and could only be explained in hindsight… A new Perspective published in Frontiers in Fungal Biology argues that this mental model is quietly collapsing.”
Many thanks to my friend Barry Smiler for being October’s sponsor. Do take a look at his climate site, which nicely complements mine. He recently added some nifty enhancements to his Research page. And for your climate listening pleasure, he suggests this little song.
“Climate Change Is Accelerating Faster Than We Can Respond, Scientists Warn…
“The researchers warn that the rate of global warming appears to have accelerated, from about 0.05°C per decade between 1880 and 1970 to roughly 0.36°C per decade between 2010 and 2024… “Earth’s life-support systems are being pushed beyond stable limits,” the report states, “with changes unfolding faster than our ability to respond.””
“Trump announces that ‘massive’ oil, gas and mineral exploration will begin in ‘our’ Greenland…
“Mr Trump continued: “There are experts that are saying that the amount of easily available oil is far greater than that of almost any land, anywhere in the world”. He did not share details about the exploration plans in Greenland, which is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.”
“In Greenland, 4 polar bears test positive for H5N1 avian flu antibodies…
“Deceased, infected wild Arctic mammals were reported in Alaska in 2023 and 2024 (H5N1) and in Svalbard, Norway (H5N5), in 2026. These detections, along with the animals’ nutritional and cultural significance to Indigenous people, highlight the need for ongoing surveillance in these regions, the authors of the new study noted.”
“Salmon producers start feeding chicken to fish Europe’s biggest salmon producers are beginning to feed chicken to their fish, breaking a longstanding taboo in the hunt for cheap protein…
“…major aquaculture corporations are shifting away from traditional marine-based feeds due to severe economic pressures and fluctuating fishmeal stocks.”
“”Normal weather” is a thing of the past, the UK Met Office’s chief meteorologist has warned.
“Ian Lisk made the statement while sitting on a panel at the Airports UK annual conference, which set out to examine the potential impacts of extreme weather on the resilience of the UK’s infrastructure and aviation industry. “We don’t get normal weather any more, fundamentally,” he told business leaders.”
“Businesses including golf clubs, car washes, and private schools could face severe restrictions over water use as drought conditions persist across much of England…
“It comes as 11 regions of England and Wales remain in drought status following an exceptionally hot and dry summer that left reservoir levels severely depleted.”
“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT IN EUROPE – 36C [96.8F] again.
“As your author announced weeks in advance, here we are: 35.7C at Alcochete in PORTUGAL, 35.6 Mora, 35.0 Coruche and Alvega etc. Today over 30C [86F] also in FRANCE… Summer also continues in The East with tropical nights in Russia, eg min 17.0 Yanskhul, 16.4 SIMLJANSK (47N).””
“Record summer nuclear disruptions push EDF to fast-track climate measures.
“Following extreme hot weather that caused record disruptions, French power utility EDF is accelerating its climate adaptation plan for its nuclear fleet. Over half of France’s electricity supply relies on nuclear plants that draw water from rivers or estuaries for cooling purposes.”
“Mont Blanc, the ‘roof of Europe’, loses more than a metre of height in a year…
“Climate breakdown was a factor in western Europe’s hottest summer on record this year, scarring Alpine regions and melting ice at dizzying speed. Earlier this month, Swiss glaciologists warned of an “explosion of melt rates” after confirming that one-fifth of the country’s ice had been lost in the past five years…”
“Czech drought could cost economy up to CZK 50 billion, insurers estimate…
“The estimate includes agricultural and forestry damage, water shortages, disruption to supply chains, reduced investment and productivity, and environmental harm. It is a projection of the broader economic impact rather than a confirmed tally of damage or insurance claims.”
“Hungary reusing fish farm water to alleviate drought…
“Hungary has been suffering from an extreme drought since last year, with the nation’s weather service, HungaroMet, claiming it’s the worst drought the nation has seen in more than a century. The dry 2026 summer has resulted in record low water levels on the Danube River, and average rainfall has been just over one-third of what the nation typically experiences.”
“Istanbul in chaos, shut down by heaviest rainfall since 1985.
“Torrential rain has triggered flash floods across Istanbul. The downpour swept cars through neighbourhoods, stranded people, triggered landslides and brought traffic to a standstill, with more rain to come.”
“Deadly floods hit Rhodes as storms batter islands…
“On Rhodes, rainfall in the island’s north reached 202 millimeters [nearly 8 inches] in six hours, with daily totals reaching 264 millimeters. Cars (photo) were swept into the sea, roads flooded and traffic disrupted. On Evia, overflowing rivers damaged roads and inundated farmland, while Skiathos faced debris-blocked routes.”
“Floods submerge cars, homes and hospitals in Libya’s Tripoli.
“Heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, submerging cars, trapping people inside buildings and inundating hospitals. Videos show residents pleading for help and a security officer reportedly carrying a man with disabilities to safety.”
“Residents of South Africa’s Limpopo province hold breath amid fears of repeat floods.
“Tshakhuma in South Africa’s Limpopo province was ravaged by January floods, killing people and disrupting livelihoods. Community members say blocked drainages and overgrown river courses exacerbate the problem amid fears of future disasters.”
“WORLD CLIMATIC HISTORY RE-WRITTEN – absurd, insane hot nights in SOUTH AFRICA:
“MINIMUMS over 26C [78.8F] even in the highlands with October High Minimums records pulverized. Some examples MINS: 26.7 Beaufort, 23.1 Bisho, 22.1 Port St John, 20.7 East London. Mind blowing.” [Extreme Temps]
“Absolute insanity going on in Africa with 100% of countries pulverizing records from Algeria to South Africa. Today Tanzania destroyed in pieces its NATIONAL RECORD OF OCTOBER HIGHEST TEMPERATURE – 37.5C [99.5F] Karema… after smashing those of September.” [Extreme Temps]
“Saudi Arabia braces for heavy thunderstorms, flash floods until Saturday.
“The holy city of Mecca and the governorates of Taif, Al Jumum, Bahrah, Maysan, Adham and Al Ardiyat are expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall until Saturday… The centre said tornadoes or waterspouts could develop in areas experiencing particularly heavy rainfall.”
“CRAZY MINIMUMS >32C [89.6F] in the EMIRATES and October records re-broken. Both airports of Abu Dhabi had their October hottest night again – MIN 31.2 Baateen, 30.9 Int. Airport.
“The heat spreads to Central Asia, Russia and Siberia ABSURD Tropical nights at 48N in Mid October and will go on.” [Extreme Temps]
“Israel’s natural water reserves hit 100-year low after two years of drought.
“Despite rainfall approaching the national average in 2025-2026, the cumulative volume of water available in the Sea of Galilee over two seasons was the lowest in a century of measurements. The north remains under pressure, while the south has experienced an unusually intense season of flash floods.”
“‘I am still a child, it cannot be good to be married’: how drought forces Afghan families to sell girls as brides…
“I’m not happy about this,” says 11-year-old Khatira, who was sold into marriage to repay debts, sitting in her home in Qala-e-Naw, capital of Badghis province in north-west Afghanistan. “She was healthy before her engagement, now she is worried and cries a lot,” says her 40-year-old mother, Noor Bibi.”
“Indus water crisis begins to hit Pakistan, heavy shortage of wheat looms…
“As Pakistan enters its rabi crop season, the lack of sufficient water for irrigation has raised fears of a looming food crisis… Since Balochistan and Khyber Pakthunkhwa are exempted from water cuts, the brunt of the shortage will be borne by the Punjab and Sindh provinces.”
“Weak Indian Monsoon Puts Global Rice Balance on a Knife-Edge…
“Import‑dependent buyers in Asia and Africa face a more fragile supply map if weather or policy shocks intensify. India’s 2026 monsoon has run about 15% below normal, curbing rice yields and planted area just as India supplies more than 40% of global rice exports.”
“Nepal’s disaster authority said Wednesday that an avalanche of rock and ice triggered a recent flash flood, echoing the mountain collapse that unleashed a tsunami-like wall of water in August…
“The flood on Sunday came less than two months after an ice and rock collapse on Aug. 26 sparked a catastrophic flood in Rasuwa district… raising fresh concerns about the risks posed by Nepal’s unstable mountain terrain.”
“China’s Inner Mongolia deploys 2,000 personnel to contain wildfire advancing toward the borders with Mongolia border.
“More than 2,000 firefighters and rescue personnel were mobilized in North China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to contain a wildfire that broke out in neighboring Mongolia last Friday and advanced toward the Chinese border driven by terrain and strong winds…”
“Today, 63 weather stations across China broke or tied records for the hottest mid-October temperatures, with one station even tying the record for the entire month!
“Sweltering heat will persist in southern China tomorrow, and more records are likely to be broken.” [Jim Yang]
“Russia’s Vladivostok has been hit with a month’s worth of rainfall in just a few hours, triggering floods across the city and submerging entire parts.
“The massive rainfall has reportedly left over 24,000 people without electricity, with buildings, elevators, and tram services all being hit.”
“A viral video capturing a violent storm lifting and tossing a car into another near the Kota Damansara toll plaza has garnered significant attention online. [Malaysia]
“The incident, described as a waterspout or whirlwind, occurred amid heavy rain and strong winds, causing minor damage but no injuries.”
“Indonesia fights fire with dry ice as toxic haze spreads across region…
“Having tried cloud seeding, water bombing and sending in army personnel to fight the fires, Indonesia’s coordinating security minister said dry ice would be dropped on the province of South Sumatra on Thursday.”
“Protests erupt across Indonesia’s Sumatra as frustration grows over persistent wildfires.
“The fires have disrupted transportation and education across Indonesia, forcing airlines to delay or divert dozens of flights as haze reduces visibility. Authorities in several regions have also closed schools or shifted classes online to limit students’ exposure to smoke.”
“A new team of UK specialists is embarking on a 9,000-mile journey to Antarctica to protect a British science base threatened by climate change.
“The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT), a Cambridge-based charity, is in its second year of a three-year mission to save Port Lockroy… This year’s team will install beams and props to help the buildings withstand increased precipitation and snow loading, as well as monitor the penguins.”
“The central equatorial Pacific is experiencing its *strongest westerly wind burst* of this entire El Niño event — the 13th distinct burst across the wider Pacific this year.
“It should help push Niño 3.4 temperatures toward 4°C above average by late November.” [Ben Noll]
“A perfect storm: how the super El Niño is devastating the fishing industry…
“The vast majority of the anchoveta industry is concentrated off the coast of north-central Peru, and it is hard to overstate how economically significant this fish is. By weight, Peruvian anchoveta have made up about a 10th of the entire global commercial fishing catch since 1970…”
“Scientists alarmed as super El Niño collides with ‘strange uptick’ in Galapagos iguana trafficking.
“The only lizard in the world that can live and forage at sea may now be in a fight for survival. International scientists warn black-market trafficking of Galapagos marine iguanas is peaking just as the super El Niño decimates their natural food source.”
“HISTORIC. The tied national record of PERU HIGHEST TEMPERATURE IN HISTORY is confirmed for day 7 October with 41.8C [107.2F] at Tingo de Ponaza, the same place which recorded it on 26 October 2024.
“More records of High Minimums also on the jungle and coast (nearly everywhere).” [Extreme Temps]
“Peru registers 401 forest fire emergencies and faces serious environmental damage.
“Peru has recorded 401 forest fire emergencies so far in 2026, a situation that keeps authorities on alert due to the effects on biodiversity, agricultural land and communities in different regions of the South American country.”
“A tornado and an unusual spring hailstorm overwhelm Santiago, Chile.
“An electrical storm with hail, unusual in the middle of spring, flooded streets, homes and businesses in Santiago, Chile, on Tuesday and produced a tornado… The national disaster prevention and response service declared a red alert in the Metropolitan Region, five days after the mudslide that hit the Las Condes district.”
“Paraguay on alert: the flooding of the Paraná River forces the evacuation of hundreds of families.
“Heavy rains in southern Brazil have raised the flow of the Paraná River and aggravated flooding in several locations in Paraguay. In view of the advance of the waters, the authorities activated evacuation and assistance operations to protect families living in riverside areas.”
“Argentina temporarily closes Iguazu Falls after El Niño-fuelled surge in water levels…
“José María Hervás, the director of the Iguazu national park, said access was closed because “it just keeps raining” and the volume of water being released from dams upstream on the Iguazu River was not falling, reported the Buenos Aires Times.”
“Fires surge in Brazilian Amazon amid El Niño and climate change…
“Thick smoke from wildfires shrouded Autazes in Brazil’s Amazonas state on October 13. Some 1,679 fires burned in the state in the first two weeks of October, up 253% from the same period in 2025, data from the country’s Amazon surveillance system shows.”
“The death toll from Hurricane Simon and the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel rose to six Tuesday after heavy rains triggered flooding and landslides along Mexico’s Pacific coast, authorities said.
“Simon was a Category 1 storm before strengthening Tuesday night and was nearly a major hurricane again, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.”
“I can’t get over how active this hurricane season has been in the Eastern Pacific.
“It’s already the basin’s most active season ever recorded, and we have another Category 4 hurricane on the way this weekend. There’s also a growing signal for another major hurricane (Category 3+) by late October.” [Colin McCarthy]
“Isaias wasn’t your average hurricane as rare phenomenon hit west of eye…
“Isaias did things hurricanes don’t, hurling a ruin in the wrong place that snapped pines like pencils and pried sides and ceilings from homes that were opposite of the so-called dirty side of the hurricane… The phenomenon, called a stingjet because of its comma or scorpion tail appearance on radar imagery, is more typical in non-tropical winter storms.”
“Clean-up underway after microburst storm causes major flooding, building damage in Odessa [Texas].
“Efforts are underway to address large amounts of damage and flooding in both the city and the county following last night’s storm. The microburst was strong enough to uproot trees in the area. Further north, massive flooding along Andrews Highway and 67th Street had drivers taking it extra slow.”
“El Niño could fuel record rainfall in 2027, UCLA study shows.
“A new UCLA study highlights that a combination of human-caused climate change and El Niño patterns led to a record-breaking year for global extreme rainfall in 2024. Researchers warn that with a potentially stronger El Niño developing, the atmospheric conditions are lining up for 2027 to set another record for extreme precipitation.”
“I work for a major insurer. Much of my industry is fudging the numbers in the face of the climate crisis…
“In the face of ever more extreme and unpredictable climate risks, I am coming under pressure to cut my forecasts for the losses that disasters will cause in order to make insurance more affordable – and get my employer more business.”
“Insurers are withdrawing coverage for climate-driven risks and passing on losses to governments and homeowners, according to a report by Inside Track.
“The report says some of the retreat “has already begun and will now accelerate”, resulting in “an increase in uninsured losses for which someone else will have to pay the price”… There are also concerns that risks are currently being mispriced, according to the report.”
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Weekday updates on both climate change and the global economy. Stay current with what’s happening around the world with a quick scan of top news.