“A new El Niño is brewing in the tropical Pacific, threatening an uptick in global temperatures and extreme weather.
“Scientists around the world have been tracking the looming El Niño — the warm phase of a normal three to five year global weather cycle — since at least May, watching the warming waters of the tropical Pacific Ocean for telltale signs that a large-scale shift in winds and weather patterns has set in.
“On Tuesday, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology said that water temperatures have now crossed El Niño thresholds, and a full-scale El Niño is likely to start sometime in December. U.S. forecasters place a 90 percent chance of El Niño to form by January.
“The last El Niño, peaking in late 2015, was the strongest ever recorded. Rainfall patterns shifted worldwide, causing enormous fires in Indonesia, spurring the largest coral bleaching episode in history, and impacting more than 60 million people worldwide. The coming El Niño isn’t expected to be as severe as 2015’s, but will likely have serious consequences nonetheless…
“There’s a growing body of evidence that suggests global warming is pushing the Pacific towards more extreme El Niños, with amplified effects around the world like 2015’s massive wildfires — another example of a vicious feedback cycle in a changing climate. Not only is El Niño making weather worse; it’s doing it at an ever-faster rate.”
“Changes to the uppermost layer of Earth’s oceans due to rising temperatures are likely causing an increase in intense Pacific Ocean typhoons, suggesting strong typhoons may occur more frequently than scientists project in the coming decades, according to new research.”
I’m guessing Vietnam could really do without another 300mm (11 inches) rain at this point.
“In the next 12 to 24 hours, the typhoon will move west west north at 15km per hour and then gain strength… In another development, international weather stations said due to the impacts of the typhoon, the rainfall will reach at 200 to 300mm in the coastal provinces of the south central and east southern region.”
“The current dust storm was caused by strong winds ahead of a low pressure system that picked up masses of loose dust particles, the result of prolonged drought in the state, according to Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology. Australia is suffering from one of the worst droughts in living memory resulting in water shortages and failed crops. Farmer’s livelihoods have been devastated as grazing fields have turned into dry, barren land.”
“Tuesday’s storm wreaked havoc in parts of Msunduzi [South Africa] with strong winds blowing down multiple trees, blocking roads and in some instances damaging houses and cars. The storm, accompanied by gusting winds and heavy rain, struck just before 3 pm.”
“Tropical peatlands may contain as much carbon as the amount consumed in nearly a decade of global fossil fuel use, and raging peat fires in Indonesia alone have been estimated in some years to contribute 10 to 40 percent as much greenhouse gas to the atmosphere as all the world’s fossil fuel burning. According to Harvey and Kai, there has been a rapid change in land use over the past few decades, creating extreme vulnerability to anthropogenic fire.”
“Unprecedented heavy rains which recently lashed Kuwait unearthed dozens of land mines planted by Iraqi troops during their 1990-91 occupation, disrupting the emirate’s popular desert camping season, officials said Wednesday.
“Authorities have closed 18 desert sites and have so far removed at least 48 mines after receiving complaints from the campers, they said.”
“A slow-moving storm system will bring another round of heavy rain and thunderstorms to much of the Middle East from Friday into Sunday. The entire region has endured stretches of stormy weather in recent weeks, and multiple days of rain and thunderstorms will once again bring the risk for flooding… the rain has been more frequent and heavier than normal across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and Iran so far this month.”
“The warning to tourists comes after monster 40ft waves demolished balconies in Tenerife and the Costa Blanca was hit by severe flooding in just the past few days. Italy, Majorca and expat enclaves in the south of France were also devastated by killer flash floods after record rainfall last month. Today a climate change expert said this type of extreme weather will only get worse in future as global temperatures rise.”
“Poland’s corn production in 2018-19 is forecast to fall 20% compared to the previous year due to drought conditions in key growing areas, according to a Nov. 20 Global Agricultural Information Network report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA projects the country’s corn output at 3.2 million tonnes, down from 4.0 million tonnes in 2017-18.”
“Scientists have discovered that Iceland’s Sólheimajökull glacier, which covers the active volcano, Katla, is releasing up to 41 tons of methane every day through its meltwater during the summer months…
“…equal to the methane produced by more than 136,000 belching cows.”
“Record breaking snowfall, record setting low temperatures, -50 wind chills, impossible driving conditions amid freezing rain and ice. Sounds like the heart of the winter season doesn’t it?
“In reality, All of these harsh winter conditions have plagued different parts of Canada this fall, leaving little to no areas untouched.”
“Donald Trump has once again confused the weather with climate change after suggesting chilly weather headed towards the US means global warming is not real.
““Brutal and Extended Cold Blast could shatter ALL RECORDS – Whatever happened to Global Warming?” Mr Trump tweeted on Wednesday evening.”
“Searchers in areas devastated by the deadliest wildfire in California found two more bodies Wednesday, bringing the number of known dead to 83…
“Searchers will not take the day off for Thanksgiving on Thursday, but some crews could be held back if mudslides threaten the burn area, where rain was falling Wednesday night, Butte County Sheriff-Coroner Kory L. Honea said.”
“The photos of Trinidad & Tobago’s catastrophic flooding and its aftermath were a waking nightmare the morning after. We were able to come together as a country and as communities to help those most severely affected but it will take a long time for families to rebuild their lives and recover from the trauma.
“As a result of climate change, we may not have as much time as we think.”
“Greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere reached a record not seen since sea levels were 10 meters to 20 meters (33 feet to 66 feet) higher than they are now, the World Meteorological Organization said in a report.
“Concentrations of carbon dioxide and other Earth-warming gases rose last year and are 41 percent higher than in 1990, driving a long-term increase in the global temperature, the United Nations organization said in its annual assessment of the trend.”
“Earth just had its second-warmest October on record, according to NOAA data released Tuesday. NASA reported the same finding last week…
“The finding extends the planet’s hot streak to 406 straight months with temperatures above the 20th century average. Meanwhile, the last colder-than-average month occurred in February 1985. This means that no one under the age of 32 has ever experienced a cooler-than-average month on this planet.”
“Transun says: “Snow falls in Lapland between October and May and it is common to find thick snow cover in November and December.” But the tour operator warns: “It is also possible that there may be a period of warmer weather, especially given the effects of global warming, which may cause the snow and ice to melt before the next snowfall.”
“For the next two weeks, no snow is forecast, merely some rain on days when the temperature is expected to hover around zero.”
“A prolonged drought this summer has led to record-low water levels on the Rhine river, closing many parts of the key transport artery to barge traffic. With little relief in sight, the German government is seeking to loosen rules on fuel transports by road to prevent shortages. The logistics bottleneck led to production halts at Covestro AG, contributing to a profit shortfall at the German plastics maker and sending the shares tumbling on Tuesday.”
“Human influence on the climate system will have far-reaching consequences over the next 30 years with floods, droughts, storms, heatwaves and heavy rainfall all expected to become more intense and possibly more frequent. Transport and trade routes, including chokepoints such as the Panama Canal, are likely to be disrupted, affecting global markets and supply chains.”
“Climate change is already strongly affecting our lives in the Czech Republic. That is the main finding of this year’s report on the environment. Among the specific impacts are droughts, heavy rains and storms, but also summer smog related to heatwaves and air pollution.” One of the most serious issues highlighted by the report is the catastrophic state of Czech forests, which is by far the worst in Europe. According to the report, over 70 percent of the country’s coniferous forests are threatened with defoliation or loss of needles.”
“Portugal’s 2018 wine harvest will be the lowest of the past two decades, according to estimates by the country’s National Statistics Institute, placing production at 5.2m hectolitres – a drop of around 22% on the previous year.
“Reduction in yields was blamed on a heatwave in August and heavy rains that interrupted harvesting in October, as well as flash floods and storms in the Douro.”
“Climate and weather can affect the timing of harvest, the amount of fruit produced and even the ultimate quality of the wine.
“And with warming from human greenhouse gas emissions already manifesting in many regions, there are concerns about how climate change will affect wine-making and the wine industry in the coming decades.”
“Kuwait’s minister of state for housing affairs and services said on Tuesday that one engineering office and six companies would be excluded from future tenders after their projects were damaged by heavy rainfall. The country has seen extensive damage to roads and infrastructure linked to heavy rains and flooding in recent weeks, with government offices and banks forced to suspend operations on two separate days.”
“At least 35 people have been killed due to flash floods in Saudi Arabia within the last month, according to the kingdom’s Civil Defense Authority on Tuesday.
“In a statement, the authority said the city of Makkah reported the highest number of fatalities, where 11 people were killed from bad weather.”
“Overall this year rainfall in Maharashtra is about 30 per cent lower than the 1210.8 mm average annual precipitation. On October 24, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis admitted that nearly half of the state (180 of 350 talukas) was drought-hit… Along with water scarcity as early as November has come the foreboding of a scorching summer ahead. And with rabi crop (sown in October-December) set to hit all-time low in the drought-hit districts, communities that do not traditionally migrate for work have begun to do so.”
“In what looks like an out-take from Mad Max, an awe-struck pub owner has captured the moment an insane dust storm “blew away” her outback town… Sydney could find itself blanketed by a red haze later this week with the possibility of a dust storm sweeping across NSW. Forecasters are closely monitoring a system headed towards the state and associated high winds that could pick up masses of loose dust caused by drought conditions.”
“Heavy rain which hit Otago yesterday returned to the region this afternoon. MetService has a heavy rain watch in place for areas including Oamaru, Dunedin and Balclutha for 12 hours from 2pm.
“Emergency services rescued two people from the roof of their car earlier today, after they were trapped by floodwaters.”
“Starting in February 2018, a significant decrease in precipitation led to a reduction of surface and ground water in the centre and north of Uruguay. Government figures indicated that more than 11,000 people were affected by this disaster.”
“Brazil’s São Martinho Group crushed 20.45 million tonnes of sugar cane this season, 0.6% below its forecast released in June, due to a severe drought.”
“To some people on the East Coast, California’s devastating wildfires may seem a world away. But on Monday the skies over New York City carried a grim reminder of the blazes’ massive reach. According to imaging from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, plumes of smoke from the massive Camp Fire and other wildfires have traveled more than 3,000 miles in a long arc from California to the Northeast US and even out into the Atlantic.”
“It’s going to be a brutally cold day in the Northeast. New York will see low temperatures in the 20s Thanksgiving morning. Central Park could see its lowest Thanksgiving Day temperature since 1901. That year it got down to a bitterly cold 19 degrees Fahrenheit. Right now the forecast low is hovering between 20 F and 22 F right before sunrise.”
“Both the Western Cape and Cape Town dams have recorded decreases of over 1% in the last seven days, as a lack of rain in the province chips away at the water levels.
“Although the region isn’t yet in panic mode, government officials are imploring citizens to stick to their water saving requirements of 70 litres per person, per day. After the euphoria of consistent winter rains topping up the once-depleted reserves, it seems locals must knuckle-down once more…
“Citizens in Beaufort West are currently reliant on water donations and borehole supplies, whereas the Gouritz River dam has now slumped to just 17.5%.”
“The climate change models predicted 30 years ago are now playing out and South Africa is particularly vulnerable, an expert warns. Gauteng’s recent heatwave was “unusual” for this time of year…
“…in line with global warming predictions made more than three decades ago, according to an environmental expert.”
“First, the rain poured for 48 hours straight. Then, flash floods swept into the schoolyard. Morning came and the water level surged. Omar took his wife and eight children to the second floor. There they waited helplessly for hours, watching the water rise.
““I never thought the flood would reach the school,” confessed the 53-year-old, standing barefoot and wearing a scruffy shirt and sarong.
““Elderly people say they have never seen a flood like this,” he told Asia Times.”
“Afghan opium producers were hit hard by the worst drought in living memory this year and excessive supply, with output and prices falling sharply as the area under poppy cultivation shrank, an annual survey said Monday.”
“Floods have forced a herd of 11 wild elephants to flee their natural habitat and enter plantation areas located near a residential compound in Tapung district, Kampar regency, Riau province [Indonesia]. The elephants had reportedly eaten and destroyed a cassava plantation, young oil palms and other plants before they went into hiding in the bushes located some 3 to 4 kilometers from the residential area.”
“On the heels of deadly Tropical Storm Toraji, a budding tropical storm will bring a renewed risk of flooding and mudslides to Vietnam later this week…
“Torrential rain from Toraji is being blamed for triggering the landslides. According to preliminary weather data, nearly 380 mm (15 inches) of rain inundated Nha Trang over the course of 18 hours ending early Sunday afternoon, local time.”
“Satellite analysis showed that the rate of retreat at glaciers in China’s remote western regions had more than doubled… “This is a wake-up call for China and the world,” said Greenpeace’s climate and energy campaigner Liu Junyan. “Glaciers in China supply water to 1.8 billion people, and they’re melting, fast. In just the last few months, thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes due to threats of flooding.””
“The flamingo was on its annual migration, but lost the rest of its flock. Experts believe it took a wring turn after flying from Kazakhstan to the Arabian peninsula, a distance of some 3,400 kilometres.
“Instead the young bird got so cold it ‘froze in the air’ and crash landed on a road in the Novokuznetsky district of Kemerovo, some 1,300 km in the wrong direction.”
“Guam was placed under a tropical storm watch late Tuesday as an intensifying system makes its way closer to the area, possibly becoming a typhoon by its closest point of approach.”
“Several emergencies occurred in Quito because of the rain, thunderstorm and hailstorm that occurred today… Also in San Roque, on Avenida Marisacal Sucre , the thick layer of hail made it impossible to transit vehicles and buses on the road that connects the south with the north of the capital. It was necessary to use a mechanical shovel to move the hail and free the track . However, the rain continued to fall in the afternoon and traffic continued to slow in the sector.”
“Rain predicted for the Northern California town decimated by a deadly wildfire could cause wet ash to flow down steep inclines in the mountainous region, according to the National Weather Service. That could complicate the efforts of crews searching for human remains… The death toll from the Camp Fire rose to 79 after the remains of two more bodies were found earlier Monday; meanwhile, nearly 700 other people are unaccounted for.”
“Another blast of cold air is expected to bring one of the coldest Thanksgivings on record for some Northeast cities.
“A strong area of high pressure from the Arctic Circle will descend southward across Canada and into the Northeast, sending temperatures plummeting toward levels more common on New Year’s Day, not Thanksgiving Day.”
“Long-term observations of surface temperatures show an intensified surface warming in Canada, Siberia, Alaska and in the Arctic Ocean relative to global mean temperature rise.
“This warming pattern, commonly referred to as Arctic amplification, is consistent with computer models, simulating the response to increasing greenhouse gas concentrations.”
“One person has died and 44 have been injured after a commuter train came off the tracks outside Barcelona. The six-carriage train, which was carrying 131 passengers, derailed on Tuesday at 6.15am between the Catalan towns of Terrassa and Manresa due to a landslide…
“Heavy rain over the past few days in the north of Spain has caused flooding and landslides.”
“Waves smashing into the coast of Tenerife during the weekend were so powerful they generated tell-tale signs of an earthquake. Towering 40ft waves slammed the Spanish island on Saturday night and seismic shocks were recorded by the measuring devices of the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute.”
“In the not-too-distant future, disasters won’t come one at a time. Instead, according to new research, we can expect a cascade of catastrophes, some gradual, others abrupt, all compounding as climate change takes a greater toll.
“”Facing these climatic changes will be like getting into a fight with Mike Tyson, Schwarzenegger, Stallone, Jackie Chan — all at the same time.” That is how Camillo Mora, the lead author of the study released Monday in the journal Nature Climate Change, describes the numerous impacts that are expected to hit us in the coming years. He adds, “I think we are way above our heads.””
“Flash floods and landslides have killed at least 12 people in central Vietnam as hundreds of troops were dispatched to clean up destroyed villages and washed out roads.
Heavy rains have pounded the central Khanh Hoa province over the past few days as tropical depression Toraji blew in from the South China Sea, triggering landslides that wiped out houses and destroyed a small reservoir.
At least a dozen people have been killed so far while a search was ongoing for several others, an official from the provincial disaster office who refused to be named told AFP.
“We have mobilised hundreds of army troops to help people restore lives and clean up damaged roads,” he said.”
“India’s cotton output is likely to decline 11 per cent this year due to crop damage in major producing states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. The two states contribute nearly half of the cotton output in India.”
“According to the latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture, rabi crops have been sown in around 19.12 million hectares. This is 16 per cent less than the same period last year… a big reason for a drop in gram acreage in Maharashtra and Karnataka is low soil moisture due to inadequate monsoon.”
““Our results indicate that high-elevation Himalayan glaciers are vulnerable to even minor atmospheric warming, and there are important implications here for humans as well as the planet.
“Millions of people in the foothills of the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region depend on glacier melt as part of their water resources.”
“If left unresolved, continued declining water levels in the Caspian Sea would likely spell economic disaster for nations such as Iran, Iraq, Southern Turkey and Syria.
“Winter winds carry moisture from the Caspian Sea to the watershed areas of rivers that flow through these nations and a shrinking Caspian Sea would produce steadily declining winter evaporation.”
“Drought and dry soil conditions widened to 100 percent of flame-whipped California from 26 percent a year earlier, providing tinder for this month’s Camp Fire conflagration — one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history, according to data for the week ended Nov. 13… Drought and wildfire risk loom large beyond California. Across the U.S. today, almost 45 million homes “abut or intermingle” with wild land, according to the National Fire Protection Association in Quincy, Massachusetts.”
“Thousands of people displaced by California’s most destructive wildfire face heavy rains next week that could trigger dangerous floods and mudslides, while helping douse the flames.
“Hundreds of people are living in tents and cars.”
“The snow-capped majesty of the Swiss Alps has dazzled many a tourist. And on Friday, the region played host to the planet’s largest postcard. Laid out on the shrinking Aletsch Glacier, this huge mosaic is actually made from 125,000 drawings and messages about climate change.
“”WE ARE THE FUTURE GIVE US A CHANCE,” urged one poster, standing out against the snow.”
“Some 12 of Spain’s provinces are on alert today for heavy rainfall and strong sea currents.
“Valencia is expected to be worst hit, with the capital and Alicante on red warning for today. Many parts of Alicante have already flooded, with 180 litres per square metre expected in just 12 hours.”
“Brown, dirty rainwater slugged along the road by the Salini roundabout this morning, following heavy rains and stormy weather that swept the Maltese Islands.
“Across Malta, flooding ensued as a result of the bad weather. As cars cautiously drove along the Coast Road, the dirty rainwater hit against their doors and bonnets.”
“Heavy downpours that began Saturday night in western and southwestern Turkey have caused flash floods in the Aegean resort town of Bodrum – damaging houses, businesses and dragging cars into the sea.
“The old town area was hit the hardest in yesterday’s floods, which came after around 200 kilograms of rainfall poured per square meter in the last 24 hours.”
“At least five people have been confirmed dead in Uganda’s capital Kampala and the central district of Wakiso following a heavy downpour that triggered flooding on Sunday morning, a police spokesperson said. Deputy police spokesperson Patrick Onyango told Xinhua that a commercial motorcycle rider and a pedestrian were washed away in Bweyogerere and another killed along Gayaza road in Wakiso by strong floods.”
“Life in the northern Arabian Gulf state of Kuwait has come to a standstill for the past three days following the unusually heavy downpour that, according to the meteorological department, was equal to Kuwait’s average annual rainfall.
“The deluge has flooded tunnels, bridges and roads, and damaged buildings in residential areas and vehicles.
“The failure of sewage systems led to several cars being swept away.
“The cabinet suspended work at ministries, government institutions and schools in a bid to ensure people’s safety and to minimise risks of accidents and mishaps following the heavy downpour.”
“…other cities were expected to continue having thunderstorms, including Al-Madinah in the Hijaz region, and Al-Jouf in the North [of Saudi].
“Earlier Thursday, Jeddah residents shared videos of rain flooding a main street in Old Makkah Road… Flash floods in Jordan forced nearly 4000 tourists out of the ancient city of Petra, killing at least 11 people.”
“Severe cyclonic storm ‘Gaja’, which crossed Tamil Nadu’s coast early on Friday, has claimed 20 lives. The winds due to the cyclonic storm resulted in hundreds of trees and electricity poles being uprooted in Nagapattinam and Karaikal districts.
“Other districts like Cuddalore and Puthukottai also bore the brunt of the cyclone.”
“This year, since the rainy season began in June, twelve states have been badly affected. In four of them – Anambra, Delta, Kogi and Niger – the government declared a state of emergency.
“The National Emergency management agency (NEMA), which coordinate disaster management in Nigeria, estimates that two hundred people have died so far and over 600,000 people have had to flee their homes.”
“Temperatures close to 40°C have been recorded this week in South Africa. Some of the residents in that area told OFM News they had to do without water since the weekend and when they tried to contact the Matjhabeng Municipality, no-one answered. This follows after municipal officials took to the streets on Wednesday to shut down the municipal headquarters in Welkom. When a resident contacted emergency services, she was informed that it is unsure when the water supply will be restored as municipal workers are on strike.”
“Fires in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt have torn through grain crops, leaving a damage bill of more than $3.6 million. Up to 20 fires were sparked by lightning strikes late on Thursday as thunderstorms rolled through the Dalwallinu area. Dalwallinu Shire chief bushfire control officer Gary Butcher said about 3,000 hectares of cereal crop was lost in the largest blaze…”
“Australia posted its second-hottest January-October period on record for daytime temperatures, with NSW having its hottest – and it was also the state’s fourth-driest start to any year, the bureau said.
“”This warmth, combined with a predominantly dry landscape, means bushfire risk remains high in many parts of Australia,” Dr Pipunic said.”
“Much of the island of Saipan in the Northern Marianas remains without power and water, as recovery efforts continue in the wake of Typhoon Yutu. There are now more than 1,000 military and federal personnel on the ground removing debris and fixing schools, he said. People in evacuation centres in the Northern part of the island had been moved to centres in the South, where there was power and running water.”
“The death toll from the Californian wildfires has soared to 65, with 631 people missing. Three devastating fires continue to rage, with search and rescue volunteers spending another day carrying out the grim task of searching for the remains of victims who perished. Ripping through more than 125,000 acres and counting, the Camp Fire blaze in the northern part of California has become the deadliest and most destructive in history.”
“Snow, ice and rain will lead to more to cause power outages and travel disruptions over a large portion of the northeastern United States into Friday.
“The storm, that already produced widespread snow and icy conditions in the central Appalachians and mid-Atlantic, will strengthen and sweep across the balance of the Northeast states through Friday morning.”
“Canada is known for having to put up with some extreme weather come the colder months of the year, but the current weather hitting the Maritimes is unlike anything many have ever seen before.
“As of now, the storm is so bad that it’s been called “the most intense storm on the planet,” by local meteorologists.”
Trinidad still recovering from last months catastrophic flooding, of course:
“Several communities across Trinidad are now facing rising flood waters following overnight rain. The Meteorological Office has issued an Adverse Weather Alert for the period Wednesday 10am to Thursday 8pm. Kristian De Silva captured these photos in South Trinidad:”
“Temperatures could hit 19C today making it a record-breaking November for Scotland this weekend – before the Beast From The East returns. Places such as Durness, Kinlochbervie, Lochinver, Scourie and Ullapool are all being tipped to feel the sun’s warmth this weekend.”
“A record high of 16.8°C was registered in Uccle at 2.00 p.m. on Thursday.
“The hottest 15 November before that was in 2006, when a high of 15.2°C was recorded, according to meteorologist David Dehenauw. The temperature could increase on this sunny Thursday…”
“The Valencian Government [Spain] has declared the emergency situation due to flooding in the Valencian region… after torrential rains accumulated about 200 liters per square meter in the municipality of Alzira, and have forced to cut roads, suspend classes , and have caused the overflow of rivers like the Vaca in Tavernes de la Valldigna, according to Emergencies. In the municipality of Barx, in the Valencian region of La Safor, 486 liters per square meter have accumulated since the beginning of the storm.”
“When I say the world has begun to shrink, this is what I mean. Until now, human beings have been spreading, from our beginnings in Africa, out across the globe—slowly at first, and then much faster. But a period of contraction is setting in as we lose parts of the habitable earth. Sometimes our retreat will be hasty and violent; the effort to evacuate the blazing California towns along narrow roads was so chaotic that many people died in their cars.”
“Saudi Civil Defense urged residents in Jeddah to stay indoors as a deadly storm bringing heavy rain is expected in the Red Coast City over the weekend.
“Thirty people have been killed because of the weather in Saudi Arabia in recent days, the country’s Civil Defence said.
“Ten people died in Makkah, five in Al Baha, three each in Aseer and the Eastern regions, two each in Hayel, Jazan and Tabouk and one in Riyadh, Al Jouf and Najran.
“Another 3,865 people were evacuated from areas in danger of floods from the heavy downpour expected in the coming days.”
“Kuwait has been doused by heavy rainfall and flash flooding over the last week, forcing the small Gulf country to suspend road, sea and air traffic and shutter schools and government ministries.
“The country’s interior ministry announced on Wednesday that the sustained downpour forced it to close some roads in the capital, Kuwait City. Operations were also suspended at the country’s biggest seaports…”
“Cyclone Gaja is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and cross Tamil Nadu coast. The Indian Navy was Wednesday put on high alert in view of cyclone Gaja approaching the coast of south Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, officials said.”
“A devastating drought continues to plague the Karoo [South Africa], with boreholes drying up and livestock dying from starvation at an alarmingly rapid rate.
“The social media page for the Strydenburg-based organisation KAIN – Karoo animals in need – showcases the realities many farmers, livestock and locals are facing due to the effects of the water shortage.”
“The Department of Water and Sanitation has raised fears that the country may end up with half the water resources it has currently, as the heatwave continues to affect dam levels.
““The heatwave in most parts of South Africa is reducing dam levels at an alarming rate and there are fears that unless it starts raining heavily, the country may end up with half the water resources it has currently,” the department said.”
“Hundreds of people poured Wednesday into the Northern California communities ravaged by the deadly Camp Fire, searching for human remains while authorities tried to track down 130 people who are unaccounted for after the blaze.
“The staggering death toll from the fire increased to 56 as eight sets of remains were found.”
“November has begun with colder-than-average temperatures dominating much of the central United States. Record early first snows have occurred in the South. The average temperature in November’s first 13 days ranks among the coldest on record in some cities. Lake-effect snow was observed in Missouri.”
“Houston reported its earliest snowfall ever, beating places like New York City and Boston as a cold snap descended over Texas. George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston set a new record for the first observed snowfall, breaking one set on Nov. 23, 1979, according to a Twitter post from the National Weather Service.”
“Climate change worsened the most destructive hurricanes of recent years, including Katrina, Irma and Maria, by intensifying rainfall by as much as 10%, new research has found.
“High-resolution climate simulations of 15 tropical cyclones in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans found that warming in the ocean and atmosphere increased rainfall by between 5% and 10%…”
Imagine Puerto Rico could really do without additional flooding, as it struggles to recover from Maria:
“A tropical wave that affects the island at the moment has caused floods and heavy rains all day today, Wednesday… The municipality of Caguas has been one of the most affected at the moment. A video posted on social networks shows several vehicles stranded in a flood.”
“”A very large part of my new plantation has been ruined,” said Gunner Göthner, who runs one of Sweden’s largest Christmas tree farms.
“The consequences of the dry weather aren’t likely to be seen in the number of trees this season, but will become apparent over the next few years. That’s because a typical fir or spruce taxes between five and ten years to grow, depending on the variety…”
“After completion of the potato harvest in Germany the expected low yield of the crop due to the extreme drought this summer became a reality, the German association of fruit, vegetable and potato processing industry (BOGK) says in a press release today. With only 8.7 million tons of potatoes harvested, the crop quantity reached a historical all-time low level this year…”
“…there are signs of stress suggesting problems that could ultimately kill some of the trees. The summer of 2018 was one of the hottest and driest in Swiss history. “I can only remember something like this in 2003. I’m not an alarmist, but no year has been as dramatic as 2018,” says Wohlgemuth, who’s been working at WSL for 30 years. “This was the first year I asked my team to make a note of local CO2 levels during their travels abroad.””
Some mind-blowing storms and precipitation events around the Mediterranean these past couple of months.
“Rain is returning to the Mediterranean region, where nine provinces were put on alert for adverse weather conditions on Thursday. Parts of Valencia are on a red warning due to “very persistent” storms that are expected to deliver 180 millimeters of rainfall in the space of 12 hours, according to forecasts by the Spanish national weather service, the AEMET. Meteorologists are also warning the downpour in Valencia province may stretch into Saturday, with accumulated rainfall of over 250 mm (10 inches).”
“A huge impact crater has been discovered under a half-mile-thick Greenland ice sheet.
“The enormous bowl-shaped dent appears to be the result of a mile-wide iron meteorite slamming into the island at a speed of 12 miles per second as recently as 12,000 years ago.
“The impact of the 10bn-tonne space rock would have unleashed 47m times the energy of the Little Boy nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. It would have melted vast amounts of ice, sending freshwater rushing into the oceans, and blasted rocky debris high into the atmosphere.”
“As far as I know, your work is unique in pulling together stories from all over the world. Very sobering but a better and more complete view. Terrific and necessary work. Thank you!” – Simon
“With the inundation of so much depressing news, Justin Panopticon presents it in a succinct format that one can quickly go thru and see the big picture of climate and economics/politics to stay current and if a particle topic is of interest one can delve into the details… I try never to miss any of his posts…I am a Patreon of his work.”
– Karina S.
Search
About This Site
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.
“A new El Niño is brewing in the tropical Pacific, threatening an uptick in global temperatures and extreme weather.
“Changes to the uppermost layer of Earth’s oceans due to rising temperatures are likely causing an increase in intense Pacific Ocean typhoons, suggesting strong typhoons may occur more frequently than scientists project in the coming decades, according to new research.”
“The current dust storm was caused by strong winds ahead of a low pressure system that picked up masses of loose dust particles, the result of prolonged drought in the state, according to Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology. Australia is suffering from one of the worst droughts in living memory resulting in water shortages and failed crops. Farmer’s livelihoods have been devastated as grazing fields have turned into dry, barren land.”
Heatwaves, drought and storms for SA this summer:
“Tropical peatlands may contain as much carbon as the amount consumed in nearly a decade of global fossil fuel use, and raging peat fires in Indonesia alone have been estimated in some years to contribute 10 to 40 percent as much greenhouse gas to the atmosphere as all the world’s fossil fuel burning. According to Harvey and Kai, there has been a rapid change in land use over the past few decades, creating extreme vulnerability to anthropogenic fire.”
“Unprecedented heavy rains which recently lashed Kuwait unearthed dozens of land mines planted by Iraqi troops during their 1990-91 occupation, disrupting the emirate’s popular desert camping season, officials said Wednesday. 
“A slow-moving storm system will bring another round of heavy rain and thunderstorms to much of the Middle East from Friday into Sunday. The entire region has endured stretches of stormy weather in recent weeks, and multiple days of rain and thunderstorms will once again bring the risk for flooding… the rain has been more frequent and heavier than normal across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and Iran so far this month.”
“The warning to tourists comes after monster 40ft waves demolished balconies in Tenerife and the Costa Blanca was hit by severe flooding in just the past few days. Italy, Majorca and expat enclaves in the south of France were also devastated by killer flash floods after record rainfall last month. Today a climate change expert said this type of extreme weather will only get worse in future as global temperatures rise.”
“Scientists have discovered that Iceland’s Sólheimajökull glacier, which covers the active volcano, Katla, is releasing up to 41 tons of methane every day through its meltwater during the summer months…
“Record breaking snowfall, record setting low temperatures, -50 wind chills, impossible driving conditions amid freezing rain and ice. Sounds like the heart of the winter season doesn’t it? 
“Donald Trump has once again confused the weather with climate change after suggesting chilly weather headed towards the US means global warming is not real. 
“Searchers in areas devastated by the deadliest wildfire in California found two more bodies Wednesday, bringing the number of known dead to 83… 
“The photos of Trinidad & Tobago’s catastrophic flooding and its aftermath were a waking nightmare the morning after. We were able to come together as a country and as communities to help those most severely affected but it will take a long time for families to rebuild their lives and recover from the trauma. 
“Greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere reached a record not seen since sea levels were 10 meters to 20 meters (33 feet to 66 feet) higher than they are now, the World Meteorological Organization said in a report.
“Earth just had its second-warmest October on record, according to NOAA data released Tuesday. NASA reported the same finding last week…
“Transun says: “Snow falls in Lapland between October and May and it is common to find thick snow cover in November and December.” But the tour operator warns: “It is also possible that there may be a period of warmer weather, especially given the effects of global warming, which may cause the snow and ice to melt before the next snowfall.”
“A prolonged drought this summer has led to record-low water levels on the Rhine river, closing many parts of the key transport artery to barge traffic. With little relief in sight, the German government is seeking to loosen rules on fuel transports by road to prevent shortages. The logistics bottleneck led to production halts at Covestro AG, contributing to a profit shortfall at the German plastics maker and sending the shares tumbling on Tuesday.”
“Climate change is already strongly affecting our lives in the Czech Republic. That is the main finding of this year’s report on the environment. Among the specific impacts are droughts, heavy rains and storms, but also summer smog related to heatwaves and air pollution.” One of the most serious issues highlighted by the report is the catastrophic state of Czech forests, which is by far the worst in Europe. According to the report, over 70 percent of the country’s coniferous forests are threatened with defoliation or loss of needles.”
“Tenerife is facing seven inches of rain this week – days after a huge storm devastated the holiday destination with 40ft waves. 
“Climate and weather can affect the timing of harvest, the amount of fruit produced and even the ultimate quality of the wine. 
“Kuwait’s minister of state for housing affairs and services said on Tuesday that one engineering office and six companies would be excluded from future tenders after their projects were damaged by heavy rainfall. The country has seen extensive damage to roads and infrastructure linked to heavy rains and flooding in recent weeks, with government offices and banks forced to suspend operations on two separate days.”
“At least 35 people have been killed due to flash floods in Saudi Arabia within the last month, according to the kingdom’s Civil Defense Authority on Tuesday. 
“In what looks like an out-take from Mad Max, an awe-struck pub owner has captured the moment an insane dust storm “blew away” her outback town… Sydney could find itself blanketed by a red haze later this week with the possibility of a dust storm sweeping across NSW. Forecasters are closely monitoring a system headed towards the state and associated high winds that could pick up masses of loose dust caused by drought conditions.”
“Heavy rain which hit Otago yesterday returned to the region this afternoon. MetService has a heavy rain watch in place for areas including Oamaru, Dunedin and Balclutha for 12 hours from 2pm. 
“To some people on the East Coast, California’s devastating wildfires may seem a world away. But on Monday the skies over New York City carried a grim reminder of the blazes’ massive reach. According to imaging from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, plumes of smoke from the massive Camp Fire and other wildfires have traveled more than 3,000 miles in a long arc from California to the Northeast US and even out into the Atlantic.”
“It’s going to be a brutally cold day in the Northeast. New York will see low temperatures in the 20s Thanksgiving morning. Central Park could see its lowest Thanksgiving Day temperature since 1901. That year it got down to a bitterly cold 19 degrees Fahrenheit. Right now the forecast low is hovering between 20 F and 22 F right before sunrise.”
“Both the Western Cape and Cape Town dams have recorded decreases of over 1% in the last seven days, as a lack of rain in the province chips away at the water levels.
“The climate change models predicted 30 years ago are now playing out and South Africa is particularly vulnerable, an expert warns. Gauteng’s recent heatwave was “unusual” for this time of year…
“First, the rain poured for 48 hours straight. Then, flash floods swept into the schoolyard. Morning came and the water level surged. Omar took his wife and eight children to the second floor. There they waited helplessly for hours, watching the water rise.
“On the heels of deadly Tropical Storm Toraji, a budding tropical storm will bring a renewed risk of flooding and mudslides to Vietnam later this week… 
“Satellite analysis showed that the rate of retreat at glaciers in China’s remote western regions had more than doubled… “This is a wake-up call for China and the world,” said Greenpeace’s climate and energy campaigner Liu Junyan. “Glaciers in China supply water to 1.8 billion people, and they’re melting, fast. In just the last few months, thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes due to threats of flooding.””
“The flamingo was on its annual migration, but lost the rest of its flock. Experts believe it took a wring turn after flying from Kazakhstan to the Arabian peninsula, a distance of some 3,400 kilometres. 
“Several emergencies occurred in Quito because of the rain, thunderstorm and hailstorm that occurred today… Also in San Roque, on Avenida Marisacal Sucre , the thick layer of hail made it impossible to transit vehicles and buses on the road that connects the south with the north of the capital. It was necessary to use a mechanical shovel to move the hail and free the track . However, the rain continued to fall in the afternoon and traffic continued to slow in the sector.”
“Rain predicted for the Northern California town decimated by a deadly wildfire could cause wet ash to flow down steep inclines in the mountainous region, according to the National Weather Service. That could complicate the efforts of crews searching for human remains… The death toll from the Camp Fire rose to 79 after the remains of two more bodies were found earlier Monday; meanwhile, nearly 700 other people are unaccounted for.”
“Another blast of cold air is expected to bring one of the coldest Thanksgivings on record for some Northeast cities. 
“Long-term observations of surface temperatures show an intensified surface warming in Canada, Siberia, Alaska and in the Arctic Ocean relative to global mean temperature rise. 
“One person has died and 44 have been injured after a commuter train came off the tracks outside Barcelona. The six-carriage train, which was carrying 131 passengers, derailed on Tuesday at 6.15am between the Catalan towns of Terrassa and Manresa due to a landslide… 
“Waves smashing into the coast of Tenerife during the weekend were so powerful they generated tell-tale signs of an earthquake. Towering 40ft waves slammed the Spanish island on Saturday night and seismic shocks were recorded by the measuring devices of the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute.”
“In the not-too-distant future, disasters won’t come one at a time. Instead, according to new research, we can expect a cascade of catastrophes, some gradual, others abrupt, all compounding as climate change takes a greater toll.
“Flash floods and landslides have killed at least 12 people in central Vietnam as hundreds of troops were dispatched to clean up destroyed villages and washed out roads.
“The death toll in cyclone Gaja rose to 45 on Sunday even as as the state machinery battles to bring back normalcy in cyclonehit areas…
“India’s cotton output is likely to decline 11 per cent this year due to crop damage in major producing states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. The two states contribute nearly half of the cotton output in India.”
““Our results indicate that high-elevation Himalayan glaciers are vulnerable to even minor atmospheric warming, and there are important implications here for humans as well as the planet. 
“If left unresolved, continued declining water levels in the Caspian Sea would likely spell economic disaster for nations such as Iran, Iraq, Southern Turkey and Syria. 
“Several parts of Trinidad have been affected by flooding following heavy rains over the past two days.” 
“Thousands of people displaced by California’s most destructive wildfire face heavy rains next week that could trigger dangerous floods and mudslides, while helping douse the flames. 
“A village in the [UK’s] Peak District, which was last inhabited during the Second World War, has reappeared 70 years after it was submerged by water… 
“The snow-capped majesty of the Swiss Alps has dazzled many a tourist. And on Friday, the region played host to the planet’s largest postcard. Laid out on the shrinking Aletsch Glacier, this huge mosaic is actually made from 125,000 drawings and messages about climate change.
“Some 12 of Spain’s provinces are on alert today for heavy rainfall and strong sea currents. 
“Brown, dirty rainwater slugged along the road by the Salini roundabout this morning, following heavy rains and stormy weather that swept the Maltese Islands. 
“Heavy downpours that began Saturday night in western and southwestern Turkey have caused flash floods in the Aegean resort town of Bodrum – damaging houses, businesses and dragging cars into the sea. 
“At least five people have been confirmed dead in Uganda’s capital Kampala and the central district of Wakiso following a heavy downpour that triggered flooding on Sunday morning, a police spokesperson said. Deputy police spokesperson Patrick Onyango told Xinhua that a commercial motorcycle rider and a pedestrian were washed away in Bweyogerere and another killed along Gayaza road in Wakiso by strong floods.”
“Life in the northern Arabian Gulf state of Kuwait has come to a standstill for the past three days following the unusually heavy downpour that, according to the meteorological department, was equal to Kuwait’s average annual rainfall.
“…other cities were expected to continue having thunderstorms, including Al-Madinah in the Hijaz region, and Al-Jouf in the North [of Saudi]. 
“This year, since the rainy season began in June, twelve states have been badly affected. In four of them – Anambra, Delta, Kogi and Niger – the government declared a state of emergency. 
“Fires in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt have torn through grain crops, leaving a damage bill of more than $3.6 million. Up to 20 fires were sparked by lightning strikes late on Thursday as thunderstorms rolled through the Dalwallinu area. Dalwallinu Shire chief bushfire control officer Gary Butcher said about 3,000 hectares of cereal crop was lost in the largest blaze…”
“Australia posted its second-hottest January-October period on record for daytime temperatures, with NSW having its hottest – and it was also the state’s fourth-driest start to any year, the bureau said. 
“The death toll from the Californian wildfires has soared to 65, with 631 people missing. Three devastating fires continue to rage, with search and rescue volunteers spending another day carrying out the grim task of searching for the remains of victims who perished. Ripping through more than 125,000 acres and counting, the Camp Fire blaze in the northern part of California has become the deadliest and most destructive in history.”
“A mix of snow, sleet and cold rain pushed 2018 over the hump Thursday — it’s unofficially Baltimore’s wettest year on record. 
“Canada is known for having to put up with some extreme weather come the colder months of the year, but the current weather hitting the Maritimes is unlike anything many have ever seen before. 
Trinidad still recovering from last months catastrophic flooding, of course: 
“A record high of 16.8°C was registered in Uccle at 2.00 p.m. on Thursday. 
“The Valencian Government [Spain] has declared the emergency situation due to flooding in the Valencian region… after torrential rains accumulated about 200 liters per square meter in the municipality of Alzira, and have forced to cut roads, suspend classes , and have caused the overflow of rivers like the Vaca in Tavernes de la Valldigna, according to Emergencies. In the municipality of Barx, in the Valencian region of La Safor, 486 liters per square meter have accumulated since the beginning of the storm.”
“Saudi Civil Defense urged residents in Jeddah to stay indoors as a deadly storm bringing heavy rain is expected in the Red Coast City over the weekend.
“A devastating drought continues to plague the Karoo [South Africa], with boreholes drying up and livestock dying from starvation at an alarmingly rapid rate. 
“Hundreds of people poured Wednesday into the Northern California communities ravaged by the deadly Camp Fire, searching for human remains while authorities tried to track down 130 people who are unaccounted for after the blaze. 
“November has begun with colder-than-average temperatures dominating much of the central United States. Record early first snows have occurred in the South. The average temperature in November’s first 13 days ranks among the coldest on record in some cities. Lake-effect snow was observed in Missouri.”
“Climate change worsened the most destructive hurricanes of recent years, including Katrina, Irma and Maria, by intensifying rainfall by as much as 10%, new research has found. 
Imagine Puerto Rico could really do without additional flooding, as it struggles to recover from Maria: 
“…there are signs of stress suggesting problems that could ultimately kill some of the trees. The summer of 2018 was one of the hottest and driest in Swiss history. “I can only remember something like this in 2003. I’m not an alarmist, but no year has been as dramatic as 2018,” says Wohlgemuth, who’s been working at WSL for 30 years. “This was the first year I asked my team to make a note of local CO2 levels during their travels abroad.””
Some mind-blowing storms and precipitation events around the Mediterranean these past couple of months. 