Huge thanks to Kimpton Bradford for being my monthly sponsor again. His words:
“During this early autumn month, let’s thank the intellectual giants who came before us and helped illuminate the path towards recognising the dramatic changes taking place in our environment. Henry David Thoreau, John Muir and Aldo Leopold form part of a remarkable intellectual throughline, laying the foundations for so many of the thinkers we listen to and lean on today.”
“UK shares findings of damning climate crisis national security report suppressed under Starmer…
“With the backing of Andy Burnham, the UK prime minister, Miliband presented the research that found the collapse of global ecosystems such as in the Amazon and Congo rainforests, driven by the climate crisis and the destruction of nature, would have impacts on national security around the world.”
“Large portions of the Arctic Ocean are getting wetter in the month of September. The largest trends are found in the Barents-Kara Seas and toward eastern Greenland.”
“Icebreakers may go further north than usual route: scientists discover new current in the Arctic.
“Russian scientists have discovered a previously unknown surface current in the Arctic that carries warm and salty Atlantic waters from the Barents Sea through the northern Kara Sea to the continental slope of the Arctic Ocean.”
“Russian woman mauled to death by bear as attacks surge across Siberian region…
“Experts quoted in Russian media explained that brown bears – which have launched attacks in at least 11 regions across Russia this year, causing at least 20 deaths – have been compelled to search further for food because an unseasonably early and dry spring left a shortage of wild berries in September.”
“Alaska’s ‘Rusting’ Waters More Acidic Than Mine Drainage.
“As the Arctic warms and tundra thaws, minerals long trapped in frozen soil are leaching into rivers, turning them orange and acidic. A study from northern Alaska found “rusting” waters to be more metallic and acidic than drainage from metal mines.”
“The UK is on track to smash the previous warmest year on record.
“With the exception of January, every single month this year so far has been more than 2°C above average with February, June & July coming in more than 3°C above average. Astonishing.”
“A rare flower may have been wiped out in southern England by extreme heat and drought, in what experts warn is a “canary in the mine” for how climate change is driving the loss of species.
“The field gentian has bloomed across Britain until now, and until recently was such an abundant sight in the New Forest, Hampshire, that it was a challenge counting them all, conservationists said.”
“Cheese and butter prices could soar after heatwave hits milk production [UK]…
“In total, the ECIU said dairy farmers lost more than £83 million worth of milk, which was enough milk to fill more than a billion school milk cartons. It comes after the UK experienced its hottest summer on record in 2026, with five intense heatwaves alongside historic dry spells…”
“EU Energy Chief Signals Delay to Methane Rules For Imports.
“Oil and gas importers will be given an extra year to prepare for the European Union’s methane reporting rules, in a bid to ensure energy security as markets are roiled by the Middle East crisis.”
“Europe is living the most insane event in its history, with thousands of stations pulverizing their late September records with ridiculous margins (locally >5C). Over 40C again in Portugal and 37.7C at Navarrenx, France. Mind blowing event.” [Extreme Temps]
“40.0C AGAIN at Andujar is the latest 40C ever recorded in Iberian Peninsula (and 4th in a row!). Absolutely crazy. And October will see thousands of records from France to Scandinavia.”
“Farmers Face Severe Losses as Rainfall Deficit Reaches Record Levels [Hungary].
“This year, the area planted with corn has fallen by more than half compared to 2022. In Hungary, 589,000 hectares were planted with grain corn, but due to the drought, many fields were destroyed, hence the harvest is expected to come from only about 500,000 hectares.”
“A violent water bomb, which lasted just over half an hour, put several areas of Partinico in difficulty [Siciliy].
“Streets and squares were invaded by water, with flooding that in some places reached 30 centimeters. The situation in Largo Ascone is particularly critical, but inconveniences were also recorded in Via Kennedy, Via Scalisi and Viale Regione…”
“Flash Floods Hit Western Libyan Cities, Destroy Bridges in North.
“Flash floods swept across southern, western and northern Libya, destroying roads and bridges, sweeping away cars and leaving people dead by drowning. Rescue teams raced to evacuate stranded families as the interim Government of National Unity (GNA) declared a state of emergency.”
“Nigeria faces world’s highest projected heat death toll from super El Niño…
“Africa’s Sahel region is projected to face the greatest loss of life from the heat brought on by this year’s strong El Niño. The Sahel is a belt of dry land stretching across Africa from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, between the Sahara Desert in the north and tropical savannas in the south.”
“Scientists clone Southern Africa’s wild fruit trees as forests disappear…
“It’s not that wood harvesters don’t eat the fruit, said Isaac Nyoka, the Landscape Alliance’s Malawi-based Southern Africa leader, “but because their business is in charcoal, whenever they see a tree, they see charcoal. So, it’s different interests that do not seem to converge.””
“Mass sardine die-off pits survival of South Africa’s penguins against fishers’ livelihoods.
“It began on 28 July, when fishers near Saldanha Bay on the west coast of South Africa reported seeing dead sardines (also known as pilchards) floating at sea. Then, in early August, more dead sardines began washing up on beaches near Cape Town.”
“Farmers in South Africa’s Limpopo face unpredictable rainfall, uncertain futures…
“The farms lie along the Limpopo River, which separates South Africa from Zimbabwe. But even with a major river nearby, access to reliable water supply is not guaranteed. Farmers say rainfall has become increasingly unpredictable in the past decade…”
“Kenyan growers behind half of Britain’s black tea supply say climate shocks are crushing incomes…
“Nelson Ngeno, who manages Fintea, said production across their five cooperatives dropped by 30% in May and June compared to typical harvest levels. “Climate is really affecting our farmers,” Ngeno said. “There has been a complete change as far as the weather is concerned.””
“Yemenis say they don’t have enough water in Taiz displacement camp.
“Displaced families living in a makeshift camp in Yemen’s Taiz province said on Wednesday (September 23) they were struggling to obtain enough water after arriving from nearby areas affected by fighting involving Houthi forces.”
“Far-right settlers divert West Bank spring water as Israel backs heritage site takeovers.
“…for the 2.8 million Palestinians who live in the territory, those springs and the stone reservoirs they fill are increasingly out of reach as Israeli settlers — encouraged by a hard-line government facing re-election — have stepped up efforts both to seize the springs and other heritage sites.”
“Ben-Gvir posts video claiming both banks of Jordan River belong to Israel.
“Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has posted an AI-generated video depicting the Jordanian military and King Abdullah II alongside a song asserting that both banks of the Jordan River belong to Israel.”
“WORLD RECORDS keep falling in this insane unprecedented heat wave. Tonight the MINIMUM Temperature at Delhoran, IRAN was 35.0C [95] – this is the latest 35C Minimum ever recorded in the Northern Hemisphere. And More 48C days ahead!” [Extreme Temps]
“Four killed as heavy rain, hailstorm lash several cities [Pakistan].
“Meanwhile, the Karakoram Highway was blocked by a landslide after torrential rains caused flash floods in the Butyal area of Bisham, affecting several houses. According to assistant commissioner of Bisham Syed Javed Iqbal, the main KKH was closed to traffic after the landslide hit it.”
“Pakistan’s Sharif warns any diversion of Indus waters will be ‘treated as an act of war’…
“Mr. Sharif said Pakistan had exercised its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter when it faced “external aggression from India” a year ago, crediting US President Donald Trump’s intervention with averting all-out war between the “two nuclear armed neighbours”.”
“Both the city and its Airport recorded their hottest September night in history. MINS: 28.0 [82.4F] Mumbai Colaba (downtown); 27.8 Mumbai Santacruz Airport.” [Extreme Temps]
“Odisha-AP road link cut off as bridges go under water [E India].
“Incessant rain triggered by the deep depression threw normal life out of gear in Malkangiri district on Thursday with several low-lying bridges going under water, snapping road communication between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh and leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on National Highway-326.”
“Heavy rain brings highway closures, night travel restrictions across Nepal.
“Heavy rainfall across Nepal has forced the closure of several major highways and prompted night-time travel restrictions in districts nationwide, leaving public buses and other vehicles stranded as authorities warn of increased risks of floods and landslides.”
“Nepal’s PM says flash flood was ‘warning to world’ as he scolds leaders at UN over climate change…
“Shah said that Nepal contributed less than one-tenth of 1% of the heat-trapping gases behind climate change. “We did not create this crisis, yet we are paying a colossal price for it,” said Shah, 36, a former rapper and engineer, who wore a traditional Nepali hat and dark sunglasses, which he uses for medical reasons.”
“On September 25, northern Chongqing and northeastern Sichuan were struck by torrential downpours, with 210mm [8.3 inches] of rain falling in six hours, triggering floods in areas such as Kaizhou and Dazhou.”
“Storm menaces Japan after highest cyclone tally since 1966.
“Tropical Storm Surigae is currently 791 kilometers south-southeast of Okinawa, packing top sustained winds of 74 kilometers per hour, according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. It’s forecast to intensify into a typhoon by Sunday…”
“3 lionesses die at Tokyo zoo during recent record heat wave.
“Lions in sub-Saharan Africa inhabit savannas, which are arid regions in tropical areas, and are seemingly well-suited to surviving the heat. However, the deaths of three lionesses kept at Tama Zoological Park in the western Tokyo city of Hino …are related to rapid increases in temperature and high humidity.”
“Bangkok declares disaster in all 50 districts as heavy rain triggers severe floods.
“The designation, which gives local organisations authority to take action, came after the governor said almost 300 millimetres (11.8 inches) of rain had fallen since Thursday. “The water keeps coming in. It’s hard to go out now. It’s like my waist level now,” said Somkid Pheuk-ngam, 67, a vendor…”
“Flash flood kills 1, leaves 4 high school students missing in Zamboanga Sibugay [Philippines].
“Heavy rainfall suddenly hit the area, causing the river’s water level to rise rapidly and triggering strong currents that washed away the five victims. Six other students survived the deluge.”
“The treasured ‘eternal snow’ on this tropical island is about to disappear forever.
“The mountains of Papua are not far from the equator, but they’ve been topped with “eternal snow” for centuries. The peaks in this Indonesian region on the world’s second-largest island, just north of Australia, have offered scientists countless insights into the Earth’s climate history… But now, nearly all the snow is gone.”
“Perisher closes today, ending IMO the worst Australian snow season in memory.
“While the peak depth at Spencers Ck just beat the worst season, 2006, by 9cm. This season saw no Spencers Ck snow before end of Sept for first time. 200m below Spencers at Deep Creek, almost no snow all season.” [Anthony Sharwood]
“Hurricane Polo is one of the all-time great Eastern Pacific hurricanes [heading for Baja California].
“It has reached Category 5 strength three separate times, is the 2nd most intense hurricane in Eastern Pacific history, and is now once again a 180 mph Category 5 beast.” [Colin McCarthy]
“This is quite absurd. Not only does El Niño continue to warm, but the ELI index is shifting east quickly, now reaching an all-time record for the most east-based El Niño since 1950.”
“Record heat continues alongside the coast of PERU:
“More Records of September Highest Minimums: 22.9C [73.2F] Chiclayo, 22.6C Trujillo. Temperatures are typical of mid summer constantly 6/8C above average.” [Extreme Temps]
“Peru | A majestic scene of a massive snow collapse from Nevado Humantay mountain in the Cusco region today, documented by several tourists capturing the moment when huge snow masses surged forcefully down the mountain.”
“Senapred decrees Red Alert in Cautín and Arauco, and activates Yellow Alerts due to flood risk in different areas of the south of the country [Chile].
“Rivers in La Araucanía and Arauco show a significant increase in their flows, generating irrigation for the population that lives on their banks. The measures will remain in force until the authority determines it.”
“Dozens of southern right whale calves have been found dead on Argentina’s Patagonian coast. Scientists are probing a possible bacterial infection…
“Just this week, dozens of dead whale calves have appeared on beaches in the province of Chubut, in southern Argentina. Cases have been recorded since June, affecting one of this species’ main breeding grounds in the South Atlantic.”
“As of September 22nd, the Gulf of Mexico sea-surface temperature is record hot, at 1.68°C (3.02°F) above the 1991-2020 mean. This breaks the previous record for the day set in 2024 by over 0.51°C (0.92°F). And no hurricanes!
“We live in interesting times.” [Prof Eliot Jacobson]
“Historic drought conditions recorded in Kansas: July and August 2026 mark driest period since Dust Bowl…
“The Dust Bowl was caused by a combination of prolonged drought, high winds, and exposed topsoil due to tillage. When drought struck in waves throughout the 1930s, high winds stripped away topsoil, creating massive dust storms that destroyed farmland and displaced millions.”
“Texas Farmer Says Drought Is the Worst He’s Ever Seen.
“The drought has been brutal for Hagen Hunt, Texas Corn Producers Association president, who farms in Hale and Swisher counties in northwest Texas… In 2011, it was very droughty, but the difference was that 2010 was one of the wettest years on record.”
“New Mexico National Guard helps Hondo residents after major flash flooding.
“Flash flooding in Hondo swept away 46 cows, cut off homes and left neighbors cleaning up as more rain keeps falling. The New Mexico National Guard worked in Hondo with local authorities and supported neighbors as a flash flood warning remained in effect.”
“Northeast faces weekend of relentless wind, rain and coastal flooding as powerful fall nor’easter digs in.
“An intensifying early season nor’easter has arrived in the Northeast and is set to deliver a prolonged stretch of strong wind, soaking rain and coastal flooding to the region through the weekend.”
“150,000 Tons of Radioactive Waste Were Dumped in The Atlantic. Decades Later, It’s Visibly Oozing…
“…between 1949 and 1982… more than 200,000 barrels of low-level radioactive waste, totaling more than 150,000 tons, mostly dumped at depths between 3,000 and 5,000 meters (9,840 and 16,400 feet). For decades, no one really knew what had become of them. Now, scientists have descended to the wreckage in a crewed submersible to investigate.”
““I post here from time to time to remind people about (1) how deeply ordinary the ‘elites’ truly are, and (2) how fragile government really is. One of the things I’ve had to quickly shed in my professional life is the notion that anyone is in control or coming to save the day. The reality is rooms full of people asking, ‘what the fuck are we going to do?”
“Earth may not bounce back after temporarily crossing climate limits…
“Some pieces of the climate system snap back fast once temperatures ease off. Others barely budge at all. Permafrost landed at the stubborn end of that spectrum. Once permafrost carbon got released during an overshoot, there was almost no recovery, even long after temperatures returned to baseline.”
I rely on donations and tips from my readers to keep the site running. Every little bit helps. Can you chip in even a dollar? Buy me a coffeeor become a Patreon supporter. A huge thank you to those who do subscribe or donate.
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an “Economic” thread.
Huge thanks to Kimpton Bradford for being my monthly sponsor again. His words:
“During this early autumn month, let’s thank the intellectual giants who came before us and helped illuminate the path towards recognising the dramatic changes taking place in our environment. Henry David Thoreau, John Muir and Aldo Leopold form part of a remarkable intellectual throughline, laying the foundations for so many of the thinkers we listen to and lean on today.”
“This is astonishing. Using Helama’s exact Northern Hemisphere tree-ring regions, we estimate June July August 2026 at ~+3.35°C relative to the reconstructed 1850–1900 mean — an absolutely enormous departure on this 2,000-year series…
“Directly against the instrumental 1850–1900 mean, the same regions are about +2.99°C. The difference reflects an offset between the instrumental and reconstructed baselines.
“Either way, this is insane. 2026 is sitting in completely extraordinary territory.” [The Global Warmer]
“The Arctic sea ice melt season grew longer for decades, but something strange happened around 2010.
“The Arctic sea ice melt season is roughly 40 days longer than it was in 1979, yet its rapid expansion unexpectedly leveled off around 2010. Scientists say changing clouds and increasingly thin ice may explain the pause, but continued Arctic warming could eventually trigger another period of rapid change.”
“Heat waves on land are starting earlier and developing faster, global analysis reveals.
“Heat waves over land worldwide are beginning earlier, ending later and occurring over longer seasons, while the first heat wave of the season has recently shifted toward faster onset, according to a new study published in Nature Climate Change.”
“The Past Decade’s Emissions Are Already Driving Worse Heat Waves in Europe.
“The researchers created a generative AI model known as a diffusion model using simulated weather data from 10 global climate models to predict how extreme heat waves in Europe could have unfolded under different global emissions levels.”
“‘The eels were climbing out of the water to die’: why did every fish in this idyllic lake perish overnight?
“Furnace Brook in East Sussex was home to carp, tench, bream, roach and trout – and 15 trailer-loads had to be buried. The mystery led to a neighbouring farm, and a story of waste, pollution and dirty rivers that reveals a lot about Britain today.”
“England’s first new reservoir in 30 years delayed despite drought warnings.
“England’s first new reservoir in over 30 years, the Havant Thicket project in Hampshire, has been delayed by five years and will not be completed until 2034. The water industry regulator, Ofwat, announced the delay following a pause in the scheme due to skyrocketing costs. The project’s total budget has more than doubled…”
“Food supply threatened by climate change say national farmers union [UK]…
“Mr Adams said: “Going forward, government must work with industry to help farm businesses manage risks as they produce the nation’s food in increasingly volatile weather conditions. “That includes investing in resilient crop varieties that can better withstand drought and disease and have greater yield resilience.””
“France’s soils hit September drought record as dry weather threatens autumn crops…
“The drought threatens autumn pasture growth, groundwater recharge and sowing for the 2027 harvest. European farmers were already warning of widespread crop failures after this summer, and continued dry weather could complicate planting for the next harvest.”
“Unprecedented late September heat wave in Europe. 40.4C yesterday at Alvega. And next days can be even worse. European climatic history is being rewritten… hotter than July.”
“Spain’s 2026 the ‘hottest and longest summer on record’ as highs of 39C [102.2F] continue into late September.
“Mercury levels pushed to 37C or higher in parts of Huelva in Andalucia, Tarragona in Catalunya, and Ourense in Galicia. On Tuesday, one in eight stations across the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) network exceeded 35C, while parts of Badajoz, Huelva, and Ourense breached 39C.”
“Firefighters work several hours on a fire this morning in Badajoz [Spain].
“The firefighters of Badajoz have worked hard this morning after a forest fire broke out between La Barriada de Llera and Las Vaguadas in the city of Badajoz. Fortunately… there have been no personal injuries, only material ones.”
“Cloudburst in the night over the Catania area, flooding and inconvenience [Sicily].
“A new phase of bad weather hit eastern Sicily between the evening of Tuesday 22 and the night of Wednesday 23 September, with an intense cloudburst that mainly involved the Catania area, between Acireale, Aci Catena, Giarre and Riposto. Numerous floods, with roads transformed into torrents and inconvenience to traffic.”
“Lightning Kills 88 Sheep During Storm in Northwestern Greece.
“Severe weather hit parts of northwestern Greece on Wednesday, damaging livestock facilities and roads, while a lightning strike killed 88 sheep on Mount Peristeri… A tornado struck the area, causing significant damage to a livestock facility.”
“A four-year research program monitoring Athens’ Kifissos River and its underground aquifer has found significant industrial and urban wastewater pollution along its length, particularly in open sections, with researchers saying the contamination continues today.”
“Many vehicles were damaged on the road that collapsed due to flooding in Ankara [Turkey]…
“Due to the downpour, a part of the road collapsed on Gülgün Street. Municipality and fire brigade teams were dispatched to the area related to the incident, where many vehicles parked on the side of the road were damaged.”
“Tunisia says 2026 summer hottest on record, temperatures topped 49.7°C.
“Although accustomed to scorching heat, Tunisia experienced a particularly gruelling summer this year, with July and August marked by “intense and prolonged heatwaves”, the authority said. Scientists attribute these episodes to climate change. This summer also saw persistently high nighttime temperatures, the agency added.”
“When rains shift and farms become unsafe: Dangers of Nigeria’s changing farming calendar.
“As rainfall patterns grow less predictable and extreme weather events disrupt traditional seasons, farmers are being forced to rethink long-established agricultural practices, while insecurity further limits access to farmlands and threaten food production…”
“Here we are again and again. SOUTH AFRICA FACTORY OF HEAT WAVES:
“Hot berg winds and more records of September Highest Minimums,locally broken with huge margins: 24.7 [76.5F] Lamberts Bay, 19.5 Atlantis, 17.9 Geelbek, 17.6 Malmesbury, 17.4 Redelingshuys, 18.8 Langebaanweg.” [Extreme Temps]
“Climate change is fuelling African conflict – governments are developing a shared response…
“Across southern Africa, repeated droughts have caused crop failures, livestock losses, food shortages and falling household incomes. Climate-related disasters affected more than 2.5 million people in Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe in 2021 and 2022 alone.”
“Strong floods sweep through the streets of Gedaref city following heavy rains that the region witnessed, amid rising water levels and inundation of parts of the roads last evening.” [Arab Storms]
“Somalia on famine watch as floods loom and aid runs dry…
“A report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), an initiative of UN agencies, regional bodies and aid groups, said that 5 percent of displaced people in Baidoa, or about 26,000, were likely to face starvation and a collapse in livelihoods in October to December.”
“Water Scarcity in Jordan Is Causing an Agricultural Crisis…
“Farmers are reeling under the dual pressures of depleting groundwater and climate change… n Jordan, people remember retreating shorelines. From the oasis in Azraq to the Dead Sea in the Jordan Valley, bodies of water have been shrinking, leaving behind cratered land and shriveled shrubs in their wake.”
“As water grows scarce, Syrian farmers test soil-free agriculture.
“On a 60-square-meter project east of Homs, Hassan al-Daher is testing hydroponics as a way to grow lettuce, cucumbers and strawberries on limited land and with far less water than conventional farming. His experiment reflects growing interest in soil-free agriculture in Syria…”
“EXTRAORDINARY WORLD HEAT RECORD – 48.7C [119.7F] Omidiyeh IRAN IS WORLD RECORD OF LATE SEPTEMBER HIGHEST TEMPERATURE.
“Also MIN 36C Kuwait City Port IS WORLD RECORD LATE SEPTEMBER HOTTEST NIGHT. Records everywhere including in PAKISTAN – 45.5C Nawabshah Monthly record. Hotter and hotter next days!” [Extreme Temps]
“As Japan swelters, farmers turn to new heat-resistant rice varieties to boost staple crop…
“Kawasaki and his team once spent the entire day in the fields, but the heat has made that impossible. “Now we start early in the morning and work until around noon,” he says. “It’s way too hot in the afternoon … although the mornings are not what you would call cool.””
“Nine people have died and four remain missing in Kanto after Typhoon Dujuan battered the region with heavy rain, according to the latest tallies from local authorities…
“The typhoon brought record rainfall to parts of eastern Japan, with some areas recording more than 800 millimeters [31.5 inches] of rain in 48 hours. An oil spill was reported Monday at a refinery operated by Eneos Holdings in Yokohama…”
“Pattaya floods leave one foreign man missing on Thursday [Thailand].
“Rescuers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation were searching for a foreign man swept away in a Pattaya drainage canal on Thursday (September 24, 2026), after heavy overnight rain flooded the city and surrounding areas.”
“Heavy rain triggers severe flooding across Indonesia’s Batam City [Riau Province].
“Severe flash flooding struck Batam City, Indonesia, on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, following intense torrential rainfall that rapidly overwhelmed local infrastructure Floodwaters sweep vehicles away.”
“Indonesia is living the most extraordinary heat wave in tropical history, breaking and rebreaking every record, every day. Today it was tied the HOTTEST DAY EVER RECORDED IN KALIMANTAN (Borneo) – 38.2C [100.8F] Banjarmasin.” [Extreme Temps]
“As fires spread in Indonesia, Bornean orangutans run out of forest to flee…
“Fires are spreading across a connected but heavily fragmented forest landscape and the habitat of critically endangered Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) in West Kalimantan, including Gunung Palung National Park and the Mendawak Biodiversity Corridor.”
“The Patagonia town where Nepal’s deadly glacier flood could be repeated – and what they’ve learned…
“Schmidt studies the glacial lake outburst flood (Glof) that could occur at Laguna Torre, in Argentina’s Santa Cruz province, and its potential impact on El Chaltén, a nearby town known as the country’s trekking capital. The disaster already exists on her computer screen: data, models, flood simulations and maps.”
“Rare meteotsunami hits southern Brazil without an earthquake, flooding streets and dragging boats.
“Coastal areas of southern Brazil were hit by a rare meteotsunami, a rapid surge of seawater that flooded streets and pushed boats inland within seconds. Notably, the ocean rush happened without any earthquake.”
“Storm in Santa Catarina: heavy rains caused flooding in 14 cities and Criciúma declared an emergency [Brazil]…
“The heavy rains that have affected since Monday south of Santa Catarina, Brazil, caused damage in at least 14 municipalities, with flooding, falling trees, hail, power outages and isolated families. In Criciúma, one of the worst-affected cities, the municipal government declared a state of emergency…”
“Rio breaks record for rainiest September amid powerful El Nino.
“Brazil’s typically sun-drenched city of Rio de Janeiro is experiencing its wettest September on record as the powerful El Nino weather phenomenon threatens to wreak havoc in the vast nation. Normally packed with tourists, locals and vendors, Rio’s picture-postcard beaches have seen days of steady rain and grey skies…”
“Water scarcity stirs debate over who owns Brazil’s rivers…
“One of Brazil’s key transport corridors for soybeans, corn, fertilizer and other farm products was closed for 20 months between 2014-2016 due to drought… As the waterway in the state of Sao Paulo – engine of the nation’s economy – threatens to close again due to erratic rainfall, experts have urged policymakers to define more clearly who can exploit the river, and when.”
“Brazil creates four Amazon reserves as plans to pave rainforest highway advance.
“The Brazilian government has created four new sustainable development reserves in the Amazon as part of an effort to mitigate environmental damage from the controversial plan to fully pave the BR-319 highway. The road will pass through one of the most intact parts of the rainforest, which conservationists warn will lead to increased deforestation.”
“Record heat never ends in Colombia. Another historic day with an avalanche of records: 39.5C [103.1F] Cucuta – all time record; September records: 35.8 Puerto Ininda, 30.0 Urrao, 27.2 Sagamoso, 24.8 Nueva Generacion.”[Extreme Temps]
“How the Panama Canal Became a 50-Mile Waterway With a $5 Million Ticket Price.
“Large cargo ships have recently paid up to $5 million to pass through the Panama Canal, as the global shipping industry reacts to trade disruptions from the Iran war and extreme weather patterns in the Western Hemisphere.”
“Southwestern Mexico braced Wednesday for coastal flooding and landslides from rains from Hurricane Polo.
“The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) described Polo as an “extremely dangerous” storm that would hit the Mexican state of Guerrero, submerging coastal areas with 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) of rain through Thursday. Guerrero has been hit repeatedly by hurricanes in recent years.”
“The rapid intensification of Polo sits solidly in 4-sigma (standard deviation) territory consistent with the top 5 of 4,500 RI storms globally since 1980.”
“Sharks, sea snakes and weird fish: El Niño brings unusual marine life to Southern California.
“The Seal Beach turtle is just one of a number of unusual creatures that have been spotted off the Southern California coast lately. A whale shark was spotted near the Channel Islands, off the coast of Malibu. There have also been reports of hammerhead sharks and other large fish like mahi mahi and bullet tuna.”
“20 inches and counting: Fort Lauderdale shatters monthly rainfall record.
“Fort Lauderdale has received more than 20 inches of rain this September — surpassing the city’s all-time record for the month, the National Weather Service in Miami said Wednesday. The previous record for the month was set 28 years ago in September 1998…”
“The real risks — and the potential surprises in store — now dwell in a tangle of feedback loops: clouds and water vapor, the retreat of reflective snow and ice, wildfires that release carbon, and an ocean that soaks up less of it as the seas warm and turn more acidic.”
“The anthropogenic fingerprint on emerging infectious diseases…
“In recent decades, emerging infectious diseases transmitted by wildlife… This trend is widely considered the result of an ongoing state shift in the biosphere where human-driven environmental changes are both increasing animal susceptibility to infection, and creating more opportunities for animal-to-human transmission, leading to more outbreaks of both familiar and new pathogens.”
“Fears mount that next UN chief will downgrade climate action…
“Many of Guterres’s most likely successors have shown less enthusiasm for tackling the climate crisis, despite rising alarm at its impacts, and experts have told the Guardian that some of the candidates could be “disastrous” yet could enjoy the support of influential countries including the US and its allies.”
I rely on donations and tips from my readers to keep the site running. Every little bit helps. Can you chip in even a dollar? Buy me a coffeeor become a Patreon supporter. A huge thank you to those who do subscribe or donate.
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an “Economic” thread.
Huge thanks to Kimpton Bradford for being my monthly sponsor again. His words:
“During this early autumn month, let’s thank the intellectual giants who came before us and helped illuminate the path towards recognising the dramatic changes taking place in our environment. Henry David Thoreau, John Muir and Aldo Leopold form part of a remarkable intellectual throughline, laying the foundations for so many of the thinkers we listen to and lean on today.”
“Seven of nine Planetary Boundaries now at record breach levels…
“Ocean acidification became the latest to breach its boundary in 2025, joining climate change, biosphere integrity, land system change, freshwater change, biogeochemical flows, and novel entities as boundaries now transgressed. All seven of these are at record highs.”
“‘Jaw-dropping’ El Niño bursts through temperature record months before peak…
“The latest data shows the temperature rise at the heart of El Niño in the Pacific Ocean has now reached 3.05C. That is higher than the 3.02C set in late November 2015, the previous high set in the 150 years of modern records. This temperature is measured against the average of 1991-2020.”
“The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) is so far lower this month than in any prior September on record, signaling a strong El Niño response in the atmosphere.
“The SOI measures air pressure differences between Tahiti and Darwin, Australia. Strongly negative values favor El Niño.” [Ben Noll]
“Wildlife will be affected by current drought for years to come, UK government says…
“So far this year, 349 environmental incidents have been recorded, exceeding the 321 in 2025. These incidents include algal blooms (which can be triggered by hot and dry weather and reduce oxygen levels in water), fish deaths, water quality incidents and low flows.”
“I no longer have the words to describe what is currently happening in France.
“The weather forecasts keep pushing back the timeline for the return of rain. Now, almost no significant precipitation is expected across much of the country until October 6… And meanwhile, no respite for our forests, our ecosystems, and our agriculture.” [Dr Serge Zaka]
“Fance to Upgrade Heat Wave Modeling After Record Nuclear Curbs.
“France’s power-grid operator, RTE (Réseau de Transport d’Électricité), announced it is upgrading its weather and climate modeling systems after suffering record-breaking cuts to nuclear power production. Persistent droughts and extreme summer heat waves severely restricted the river flows used to cool EDF’s nuclear reactors”
“Up to 39C in Iberian Peninsula and 36.1C at Ceret, FRANCE. Hundreds of stations already had their 3rd third of September highest temperature on record and that’s just the beginning. We might see the latest 40C [104F] in Iberian Peninsula climatic history.” [Extreme Temps]
“Magnitude of glacial collapse in the Alps is hard to grasp!
“Here is Zanfleuron Pass (2,805 m asl, Les Diablerets) that became first ice free in Sept. 2022! Now ice is >10 m below the pass! Seen yesterday from Oldenhorn (3,123 m asl)!” Photo by @lomdumtblanc on Bluesky. [Melaine Le Roy]
“Northern floods, southern droughts: Italy’s hottest summer since 1950.
“Italy has recorded its hottest summer since 1950, as extreme weather takes a growing toll across the country. Northern Italy was hit by torrential rain, flooding and landslides, while the south grappled with prolonged heat, drought and water shortages.”
“Sochi flooded after heavy rain [Black Sea, Russia].
“The streets of the resort turned into turbulent rivers, and underground passages, including a key passage to the railway platforms at the main station, went under water. The escalator at the station continued to work, despite being in the water stream, RT reports.”
“Heavy rain puts two Black Sea cities on alert [Turkey].
“Following two days of severe flooding, landslides and transport blockages in the eastern Black Sea region, authorities in the northeastern provinces of Rize and Artvin have warned residents to remain vigilant as more heavy showers and thunderstorms approach.”
“Bad weather: the lifeless body of an Algerian gendarme recovered in Tunisia.
“The search continues to find a second gendarme also missing in the same area after the heavy rains that fell on the east of the country, said the same source. The Algerian locality where the two gendarmes worked was not specified.”
“Egyptian irrigation minister: Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is illegitimate.
“Egyptian Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam said on Sunday that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is “illegitimate” and that Egypt has the right to take any measures it deems necessary to protect its water security. Sewilam made the remarks during a briefing for foreign media representatives in Cairo…”
“Iraq could see 300 days of sandstorms annually in upcoming decade: Observatory…
“In a statement, the observatory estimated that “climate change could cause Iraq to experience up to 300 sand and dust storms annually within the next decade,” a sharp increase from the period between 1951 and 1990, when the maximum number of dust storms recorded in a year was 24.”
“Heavy, dense clouds triggered deadly flash floods and landslides in Kerala high ranges [south-western India].
“Extremely intense, localised downpours triggered by convective cumulonimbus clouds have battered Kerala… localized flash floods and landslides in Kottayam and Idukki were driven by sudden convective cumulonimbus clouds rather than large-scale monsoon depressions.”
“How Ganesh idols on a dry Andhra riverbed reflect southern India’s water crisis [south-eastern India].
“Devotees in Andhra Pradesh’s Puttlur left Ganesh idols on the dry Chitravati riverbed after finding no water for visarjan. The scene has drawn attention to the area’s worsening water shortage and its effect on daily life and local traditions.”
“Why Meghalaya’s wettest towns are facing a growing drought risk [eastern India].
“A new study found Meghalaya could face more frequent and severe droughts despite its heavy rainfall. Rain is increasingly falling in intense bursts, while rainy days are declining and temperatures are rising.”
“APSMA Deputy Director Dorjee Khandu said of the seven high-risk glacial lakes identified in the Mago area, six share a common downstream drainage system. He stressed the need to establish locally suitable and effective early-warning mechanism so that alerts can reach every resident in time.”
“‘Orphaned’ by floods, more than 500 Nepali children face uncertain future….
“Under Nepali law, a person must be missing for 12 years before they can be declared dead. The law offers an exemption from this rule during disasters, but for that, relatives need to apply to a district court for what is known as a judicial declaration of death.”
“The disaster, triggered by heavy rainfall, occurred near a tunnel in Zhiliuhe village in Yanbian early on Saturday, initially leaving five people missing and damaging roads and communication facilities. The two dead and three missing people were all workers on a local expressway project…”
“Four dead as Typhoon Dujuan leads to torrential rain and 1.5 million evacuations in Japan.
“Four people died and at least six remained missing after Typhoon Dujuan dumped record rainfall across eastern Japan, triggering flooding, landslides, and widespread disruption to power and transport. The latest deaths and disappearances were reported in Kanagawa and Chiba prefectures…”
“KL mayor: Sunday flash floods hit city after Ampang, Lembah Keramat record 155mm rainfall [Malaysia].
“Flash floods in Kuala Lumpur were caused by heavy rainfall, with the Ampang and Lembah Keramat catchment areas recording up to 155.5 millimeters of rain, significantly exceeding the usual 30 mm. The mayor highlighted that the intense rain disrupted traffic across several areas.”
“Flash Floods devastate Solok Regency in West Sumatra, Indonesia.
“Large boulders, mud and debris cover an area hit by flash floods in Solok Regency, West Sumatra, as residents inspect the aftermath, on September 22, 2026 in Solok, Indonesia. The floods damaged homes, a mosque and rice fields and cut road access in parts of the area. One person remains missing following the disaster…”
“‘The physical toll is visceral’: How Indonesia’s fire haze affects millions – visual guide.
“For months, parts of Indonesia’s Borneo and Sumatra islands have been ablaze. The fires are sometimes lit illegally as a cheap way to clear land for plantations of oil palm, of which Indonesia is the world’s largest producer.”
“El Niño Drought Forces Production Cuts at Indonesian Nickel Hub.
“Smelters at the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) on the island of Sulawesi are being forced to scale back production due to an intense, El Niño-driven drought. The severe weather has drastically reduced the supply of water required to cool processing equipment, maintain machinery, and support chemical processing.”
“Endangered sea lions test positive for bird flu at breeding colony.
“Four endangered Australian sea lions, including a pup, have tested positive for H5 bird flu after being found dead at a major breeding ground off Kangaroo Island, where about 900 seabirds have also died.”
“More than 150,000 underwater explosives used to deter seals at Tasmanian salmon farms since 2016…
“Four fur seals died in the first half of 2026 – two at Tassal leases and two at Huon Aquaculture sites. Two died entangled at salmon cages, one from a boat strike and another in an attempt to sedate and relocate an animal. Since the start of 2021, 48 seals have died at Tasmanian salmon farms.”
“Record heat in New South Wales today and more September records: Maxes: 35.5 [95.9F] Lake Macquarie, 34.3 Norah Head; Min. 27.8 Koror is PALAU HOTTEST SEPTEMBER NIGHT IN HISTORY.” [Extreme Temps]
“Belgrano Base: Last Sunday max. of -33.8C [-28.8F] was the coldest September max. on record, few weeks after breaking also its July lowest max. with -35.2C.” [Extreme Temps]
“45.5C [113.9F] Villamontes BOLIVIA yesterday and MINIMUM 29.1 Rivarola PARAGUAY.. Exceptional heat also in ARGENTINA – yesterday San Juan had a Minimum of 23.0C, which pulverizes by full 3C its previous record of September Highest Minimum.” [Extreme Temps]
“At least four people were reported missing after a powerful storm hit southern Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state on Monday, according to the Civil Defense agency [Brazil]
“The storm knocked out power to more than 700,000 residents, with gale-force winds exceeding 115 km per hour and rainfall of up to 15 cm in some areas.”
“Tight Brazil election challenges fragile gains for Amazon conservation…
“The election presents a stark choice between maintaining current conservation strategies, experts say, or risking a policy U-turn that could reverse recent progress in lowering deforestation rates across the Amazon rainforest and other biomes.”
“MONTHLY RECORDS – COLOMBIA: 36.6 [97.9F] Tierralta; GUYANA: 37.7 Lethem; RECORD HIGH MINIMUMS – BRAZIL: 28.5 Palmas; ECUADOR: 26.2 Guayaquil; PERU: 25.8 Tumbes. Next weekend up to 44C!” [Extreme Temps]
“Colombia declares public calamity as wildfire threatens popular tourist area.
“Colombian authorities declared a public calamity as a wildfire burned through mountains surrounding one of the country’s best-known colonial towns in the north-east, scorching large swaths of vegetation and forcing evacuations. Nearly 20 active fires are burning across the South American country.”
“MINIMUM temperature of 28.5C [83.3F] at Kingston is HOTTEST SEPTEMBER NIGHT EVER RECORDED IN JAMAICA. Previous record – yesterday. Before that: the day before yesterday. That’s insane.” [Extreme Temps]
“Floods and landslides among the rainy incidences in the Central District [Tegucigalpa, Honduras]…
“The emergencies have been mainly concentrated in vulnerable sectors, where the water has caused flooding of streams, flooding of streets and damage to homes and infrastructure.”
“Hurricane Polo has rapidly strengthened into a major hurricane and is forecast to obtain Category 5 status as it threatens portions of Mexico’s Pacific coast with flooding rain, damaging winds and storm surge.
“”Hurricane Polo is expected to move east and then turn northwestand become a Category 5 hurricane Tuesday,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex Duffus said.”
“California braces for record El Niño storms as governor declares emergency.
“California is bracing for a record breaking El Niño that is expected to bring severe winter storms and flooding across the state, with the state’s governor declaring a state of emergency in anticipation of extreme weather in the months ahead.”
“Two helicopter pilots killed while battling Yosemite fires…
“The pilots were conducting water drops over the Dome fire, which had burned more than 3,000 acres since it ignited last week, when their helicopter crashed around 3pm, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.”
“Reno leads 192 US cities in August warming, analysis finds.
“Average August temperatures in Reno have risen 11.4 degrees since 1970, according to Climate Central, which analyzed temperature trends using data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. That was substantially more warming than any other city analyzed.”
“El Paso ends historic hot summer with longest streak of 90-degree days.
“Monday is the 108th consecutive day where El Paso’s high temperature reached 90 degrees or more, the longest such streak on record in the city… The last day El Paso’s temperature didn’t reach at least 90 degrees was June 5. Fifty days in that stretch saw temperatures of 100 degrees or more.”
“Texas drought worsens in Rio Grande Valley: ‘This is a huge problem’…
“”In huge stretches, hundreds of miles of stretches along this river, it’s already running dry,” Texas Monthly reporter Jack Herrera told Texas Standard. “And this is a huge problem because over 15 million people depend on the Rio Grande for their drinking water.””
“Lanesboro left cleaning up again after second round of major flash flooding this year [MInnesota].
“This weekend marked the city’s second major flooding event of the year as about eight inches of rain fell Friday nightinto Saturday, causing evacuations, road closures and scattered debris.”
“They get little attention compared to other greenhouse gases, but halogen compounds now in the atmosphere cause a global greenhouse gas forcing of >0.4 W/m²!
“The same order of magnitude as the gradual GHG decrease over millions of years that coincided with global glaciation!” [Leon Simons]
“World leaders address climate crisis before UN meet amid record-breaking El Niño…
“The prime minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, gave the opening keynote address Monday while Iceland’s prime minister, Kristrún Frostadóttir, gave the closing remarks. Both spoke about the effects of the climate crisis on their countries, the measures they are taking to transition away from fossil fuels, and their support for other countries to do the same.”
“Scripps references a jarring study: “The heat energy absorbed by the ocean’s upper 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) between 1955 and 2010 would have warmed Earth’s atmosphere +36°C (64.8°F) rather than the current +1.5°C above preindustrial.” That’s lethal!”
I rely on donations and tips from my readers to keep the site running. Every little bit helps. Can you chip in even a dollar? Buy me a coffeeorbecome a Patreon supporter. A huge thank you to those who do subscribe or donate.
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an “Economic” thread.
Huge thanks to Kimpton Bradford for being my monthly sponsor again. His words:
“During this early autumn month, let’s thank the intellectual giants who came before us and helped illuminate the path towards recognising the dramatic changes taking place in our environment. Henry David Thoreau, John Muir and Aldo Leopold form part of a remarkable intellectual throughline, laying the foundations for so many of the thinkers we listen to and lean on today.”
“Exxon Sounds Alarm Coal Use Is Accelerating Global Warming.
“ExxonMobil says the world is on course for rapid global temperature increases as coal use persists, pushing emissions beyond mid-century climate goals… The world is “nowhere close” to the 2C target laid out by the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changeto avoid the worst effects of climate change.”
“Global Temperature Anomalies may reach +2°C this winter (above pre-industrial levels) for the first time in modern history, and very likely in over 100,000 years, before the last ice age… once El Niño weakens global temps will settle back down – BUT not all the way. So in that way Earth’s fever continues to rise step by step.” [Jeff Berardelli]
“A Port of London Authority spokesperson said: “There is currently a pod of pilot whales in the tidal Thames, near Gravesend. They are a wonderful sight but this is not the usual environment for them, so we hope they will soon be able to find their way back out to sea.””
“Patients died in ‘suffocating’ heatwave conditions on NHS wards, nurses say…
“The poll of 2,471 nurses uncovered incidents of cancer patients dripping with sweat during chemotherapy, and in one case maggots in a wound. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) survey said the record-breaking heat had affected patient care and resulted in poorer outcomes.”
“Burning forests, emptying rivers, €180bn in damage: Europe’s politicians face reckoning after ‘summer of truth’…
““All of this is a mere preview,” said von der Leyen in her state of the EU address on Wednesday. “These were the hottest summer months ever – but probably the coolest of the years to come. Science is clear. Europe is warming at double the global rate. Europe can, must and will stay the course on its climate targets.””
“All the factors of a major agricultural crisis are converging [France].
“The water situation in France is deteriorating rapidly, to the point of jeopardizing autumn and winter sowing. It’s indisputable: across 95% of the territory, the soil water index reaches 0% in the first nine centimeters…” [Dr Serge Zaka]
“Swiss agricultural cooperative pays farms CHF7.2m drought relief.
“A drought payment of CHF7.2 million will therefore be made to 13,000 agricultural businesses, according to a press release issued on Friday. This will amount to between CHF100 and CHF2,000 per member registered with the cooperative, Fenaco states.”
“A British man has died after late summer storms caused flooding in large parts of eastern Spain with Barcelona and Valencia hit hard.
“The victim’s body was found around 500 metres from his car in a swollen stream in Olivella an hour’s drive south of the Catalan capital after he was swept away by a cascading torrent of water.”
“A violent water bomb hit northern Rome this morning, causing heavy flooding, traffic disruption and problems in several areas of the city.
“The storm particularly affected the northern quadrant of the capital, where the heavy intensity of rainfall caused flooding along several streets. Among the most affected areas are also Ponte Milvio, Corso Francia and Prati Fiscali.”
“Shock Downpour Sends Water Torrenting into the Uffizi, Threatening Masterworks.
“A fast-moving cloudburst swept through Florence on September 17, dropping nearly two inches of rain in the span of an hour and sending water cascading into the Uffizi Gallery and the historic Palazzo Pitti, sparking concern regarding the masterpieces within.”
“Plastic Pollution Threatens Greece’s Beaches as Microplastics Emerge…
“The five most frequently recorded types of waste over the years were cigarette butts, plastic fragments, plastic bottle caps, plastic straws and pieces of polystyrene foam. The average amount of waste recorded — 428 items per 100 meters of beach — was far above the minimum threshold of 20 items per 100 meters set by the European Union…”
“Black Sea dolphin population could take up to 50 years to recover to prewar levels – environmentalist.
“The environmentalist said that dolphins in the Black Sea face the threat of complete extinction because of the war. According to him, dolphins were added to the international Red Book as early as the 1980s. During the Soviet era, the mammals were killed for their fat, meat, and bone meal.”
“Heavy rainfall in Trabzon in the evening hours negatively affected life [Turkey, Black Sea].
“It was stated that the floods before the Galatasaray derbywere at a level that would affect the fate of the match… the roads turned into lakes, and the vehicles moved forward with difficulty. While Trabzon Airport was adversely affected by the rains, the parking area and its surroundings turned into a lake.”
“Scenes from the Five Wings neighborhood in Choueifat, south of Beirut, following yesterday’s Friday rains; where the waters swept large quantities of waste and debris into the streets.
“Several areas of Lebanon witnessed heavy rains on September 18, and flash floods formed on several roads.” [Arab Storms]
“Heavy rain brought parts of Tunisia’s capital to a standstill on Thursday, flooding roads and homes, trapping people in cars and disrupting electricity and internet services.
“Home to nearly three million people, the Greater Tunis region has faced repeated flooding in recent years. Thursday’s flooding came only months after severe January rains caused widespread disruption…”
“Torrential rains fell on Friday in several regions of Algeria. In Chlef, heavy rainfall caused flooding and the intervention of firefighters saved a girl who was swept away by the waters in the industrial zone, said the Civil Protection.
“In the commune of Ain Defla, firefighters rescued a family who was in a car surrounded by water in the Dar el Beida district.”
“38.7C at Kousseri yesterday is HOTTEST SEPTEMBER DAY EVER RECORDED IN CAMEROON… 46.0C [114.8F] Bilma NIGER HOTTEST SEPTEMBER DAY IN HISTORY RE-RE-BROKEN AGAIN.” [Extreme Temps]
“Senegal is living an unprecedented heat wave on the coast after the 2025 record heat. Now it’s worse.
“Few days ago the capital Dakar also had its hottest night in history with a MINIMUM temperature of 29.0 [84.2F]. Besides the already mentioned records of St Louis and Cap Skirring.” [Extreme Temps]
“Sudan’s henna heritage wilts as war, drought and Nile thirst choke crimson bride tradition…
“Water scarcity, climate change and three years of war have endangered the cultivation of henna, the plant used to produce the dye that has adorned Sudanese brides for centuries and features prominently in family gatherings, religious celebrations and other events across Sudan.”
“Record heat is all over Africa from North to South and from West to East.
“On The Indian Ocean, the KENYAN town of Lamu also had its hottest September night in history with a Minimum Temperature of 25.8C [78.4F].” [Extreme Temps]
“Heavy rains and sweeping flash floods strike the Al-Hawta area in Shabwa [Yemen] this afternoon, Thursday, September 17, with strong water flows between homes and roads.”
“Drought and poaching threaten wildlife in Iraq’s desert.
“Officials interviewed by Shafaq News warn that the area is under growing pressure from drought, water shortages, unregulated hunting, and the entry of vehicles and weapons into its natural terrain.”
“The Tragic Drying of Hoor al-Azim and the Burning of the Zagros in Iran.
“…wetlands like Hoor al-Azim are being deliberately drained to facilitate cheap oil extraction, the forests of the Zagros and the north are being reduced to ash under the weight of land-grabbing and villa construction, and the plunder of underground aquifers is causing the land beneath our feet to collapse and subside.”
“Among others a new September record of highest temperature was set at Anantapur [central, southern India] with 39.1C [102.4F] . Record heat is not expected to cede in any foreseeable future.” [Extreme Temps]
“India’s rice output faces biggest drop in two decades.
“India’s rice production is set to fall this year for the first time in a decade, and by the most in nearly 20 years, as below-normal rainfall during the crop’s maturation period threatens to cut yields, industry officials told Reuters. The drop in the world’s biggest rice-producing and exporting country will lift local prices and make exports expensive…”
“India must face up to the fact that the Himalayas are on their deathbed and understand what happens if those mountains die…
“The useful question is no longer how to save the Himalayas. It is how to govern the consequences of not saving them… planning Indian, Nepali, Pakistani and Bangladeshi water policy for a post-glacial century. That is triage, not salvation.”
“Road connectivity disrupted across Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan amid landslides.
“Road connectivity across Sikkim, Nepal and Bhutan were severely hit on Friday as heavy rain over the past two days triggered landslides across the area. In Sikkim, the National Highway 10, the lifeline connecting the state with Siliguri, was blocked…”
“Young Nepalis battle climate dread in wake of flood disaster.
“Alina B.K. should have been preparing for her end-of-year university exams, but news of devastating floods along the Nepal–Tibet border kept pulling her back to a troubling question: what kind of future awaits her?”
“Temperatures across northern China surged today, with Shenyang setting a record for the latest date to reach 30°C [86F]!
“Intense heat is expected to persist in north China over the next 3 days, with many areas likely to break records for the hottest mid-September.” [Jim Yang]
“Extreme rainfall caused by climate change creates uneven risks to Chinese farming…
“Extreme precipitation intensity has fluctuated but generally increased in the Huang–Huai–Hai Plain and Northeast China Plain since 2000. Areas where primary industry accounts for 30–40 per cent of the local economy showed the lowest levels of extreme precipitation exposure.”
“At least 4 killed as floods inundate more than 16,000 homes in Vietnam.
“Local authorities have activated disaster response and search-and-rescue plans… The floods also submerged more than 24,000 hectares (59,305 acres) of rice, vegetables and other crops. Another 1,176 hectares (2,900 acres) of aquaculture areas were affected.”
“‘Forcing a reckoning’: How Asia is preparing for a ‘supersized’ El Niño…
“Asian governments are rushing preparations for the most severe El Niño weather event on record, with hundreds of millions of people bracing for multiple crises at once as extreme heat, heavy rain and food shortages hit the region.”
“Drought forces Cambodian farmers to cut corn acreage.
“Drought and the risk of a stronger El Niño are pushing some Cambodian farmers to reduce corn acreage or abandon the crop altogether next season. The main challenges are moisture shortages, lack of irrigation and high production costs.”
“Smog scuppers Japan force helping fight Indonesia wildfires.
“A Japanese firefighting force sent to help tackle huge blazes in Indonesia is struggling to operate because the smog is too thick to fly helicopters, a spokesman said Thursday. Indonesia has been battling wildfires for weeks in parts of Borneo and Sumatra…”
“What do dead monkeys reveal about Indonesia’s wildfire toll?
“…In Kalimantan, the wildfires have killed 12 endangered proboscis monkeys, and left many orangutans with respiratory infections, burn injuries and severe food shortages. Over in Sumatra, wild elephants are running out of ground as the fires squeeze their habitat down to scraps. What we are watching unfold is no longer simply forest loss; it’s an immediate, acute animal welfare crisis.”
“Government must step in over escalating shark attacks in Western Australia, experts warn…
“A marine biologist says climate change is driving a rise in shark attacks off WA’s coast. “There’s a lot of changes going on in the ocean right now with the climate changing,” Laurence Chlebeck from Humane World for Animals Australia told 9 News Perth.”
“Hottest September day in years forecast in parts of south-eastern Australia as ‘spring rollercoaster’ sets in…
“The BoM’s spring outlook is warm and dry. A strong El Niño developing in the Pacific Ocean is forecast to peak in late spring or summer and “reach levels above the warmest observed since reliable records began in 1950”, according to the BoM.”
“Hurricane-ravaged island asks tourists to return with aloha and patience [Kauai].
“Kakalia is grateful visitors gave the island space to recover—work that continues since the storm. But small business owners worry too long a pause will inflict economic havoc, forcing more layoffs and financial gaps too large to recover from.”
“While El Niño is on the cusp of breaking a new all-time record, the southern oscillation index is attempting to do so as the latest index value came in at -37.25 which is pretty incredible.
“You can check out all of this on my website.” [David Schlotthauer]
“Impact of the Coastal El Niño in 2026: effects in Peru and Ecuador with severe climate change…
“Climate experts from the organization highlight that oceanic and atmospheric data are consistent, with a high match in predictive models, suggesting an intensified risk of thermal anomalies. In particular, Peru and Ecuador face considerable risks, with heavy rains and potential river overflows.”
“Backed by helicopters, Ecuadorian firefighters battled a major blaze on a hill overlooking Quito on Friday, forcing the evacuation of dozens of people.
“Four helicopters were deployed to extinguish the fire on Casitagua hill, where enormous plumes of smoke were rising into the air.”
“‘At some point we’re going to have to react’: How El Niño, climate change, and crime are pushing the Amazon rainforest over the brink…
“The Amazon becomes drier during El Niño, and then you have conditions for forest fires… during these years, you can have thousands of kilometers of burnt forest that were not disturbed before. We expect that these burnt areas will increase, possibly exponentially. There will be an acceleration, and that’s a sign of a tipping point.”
“Drone footage shows severe drought hitting river in Brazil.
“Drone footage from 17 September shows the Araguaia River drying up, as severe drought grips parts of Brazil. The country is preparing for potential El Niño impacts in late 2026-27, with the Tocantins-Araguaia basin already experiencing severe drought conditions.”
“More extraordinary record heat in Caribbean and South America:
“JAMAICA – Min 28.2C [82.8F] Kingston AP is highest September Minimum ever recorded in Jamaica; COLOMBIA – 39.8C Riohacha All time record again! BRAZIL – 40.8C Pedro Afonso Monthly record.” [Extreme Temps]
“Guatemala: Drought, Hunger, Dispossession, and an Unfulfilled Agrarian Agreement…
“This year, Guatemala has been hit hard by the El Niño phenomenon: 69 consecutive days without rain have been recorded, along with a 33% reduction during the first rainy season, bringing this episode close to becoming the most severe in the last 76 years.”
“US wheat farmers navigate uncertainty amid drought and geopolitical chaos…
“Droughts across the US and Europe have been shriveling harvests, and weather forecasts for a “super” El Niño this year means “there are some alarming signals” about the impact of weather on wheat crops, said Joao Lampreia, a market strategist at the Lisbon-based Freedom24.”
“Fierce heat persists in the Central and Eastern Plains [US] with abnormally hot days and nights.
“Yesterday more records of September Highest Minimums were set or tied: 77F Springfield MO; 76F Bowling Green KY. More heat throughout the weekend.” [Extreme Temps]
“Louisiana woman faces charges after 17 cats found dead in extreme-heat conditions.
“Madison Rebecca Colello, 29, surrendered on Thursday morning at the Livingston parish detention center in Walker, Louisiana. She faces 17 felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty – in connection with the dead cats – and 37 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.”
“Tennessee feels hotter than the Sahara Desert. Here’s why…
“”High humidity, limited cloud cover and light winds” make the air trapped within the heat dome feel even hotter, according to NASA. The effects of a heat dome allow sunlight to reach the ground unabated and further increase temperatures.”
“Lake Mead plunges to historic low as water levels continue to fall.
“As of Sept. 16, 2026, Lake Mead stood at 1,038.50 feet above sea level, according to the Bureau of Reclamation’s daily report. The reservoir was holding about 6.875 million acre-feet of water, or roughly 26% of its active capacity. This is a historic low…”
“Tiny penguin-like sea birds are dying in droves along the California coast.
“Penguin-like sea birds known as common murres have been dying in droves along the California coast over the last two months. The birds are starving to death because warming Pacific waters, fueled by climate change and a “super” El Niño, are making underwater creatures who compete for their food sources hungrier.”
“Investigation launched after beheaded sea lion is found along San Francisco shore…
“”Maybe the person who did this didn’t know that it was illegal, or maybe they did,” Sue Pemberton of the California Academy of Sciences told ABC 7 San Francisco… “I don’t really know what this person was thinking, but people might collect them for the novelty of having a trophy of some sort,” she said.”
“Life-threatening rains expected across two dozen states over next week.
“The pattern of potentially-dangerous deluges starts Friday, with flood watches issued in the Southwest, Intermountain West and Midwest regions. Similar conditions are expected into Monday and Tuesday due to the intensifying super El Niño.”
“Northern Utah experienced a highly active and severe weather outbreak over September 17–18, 2026, which triggered widespread tornado warnings, flash flooding, and destructive, golf ball-sized hail.”
““Mother nature has not been playing nice this harvest season,” said Brian Bernauer, of Rain and Hail Insurance Services in the CCHA update. “Prairie producers have not had the opportunity to sustain a big harvest push.”
“Alaska’s thawing permafrost leaves residents on thin ice…
“Alaska’s melting permafrost — frozen soil, rock and underground — is threatening the quality of life for many residents. WBUR’s Barbara Moran reports from the city of Fairbanks.”
“Endangered fin whale discovered dead on cruise ship bow in Sitka…
“A whale strike, Page said, wasn’t something he expected. “Quite sad, isn’t it? When you think about what we’re all here for,” he said. Lauren Wild, a local whale biologist and part of the stranding network response team, said while they were towing the whale from the ship to a Sitka-area beach, it sank offshore.”
“US move to loosen restrictions on fishing could harm vital ecosystems, experts warn…
“Conservationists say the agency’s new priorities are the latest signal from an administration intent on deregulating and defunding the agency. They warn that deregulation will open the door to overfishing and do lasting harm to ecosystems that support ocean health and sustain fisheries.”
“Global Shipping Costs Explode as Hormuz Disruptions Hit Key Trade Routes…
“Panama Canal access costs have exploded, with auction slots reaching a record $5.3 million and waiting times rising to 17 days amid surging demand and reduced transit capacity… due to reduced rainfall in the Canal’s watershed as a result of the Super El Nino.”
I rely on donations and tips from my readers to keep the site running. Every little bit helps. Can you chip in even a dollar?Buy me a coffee orbecome a Patreon supporter. A huge thank you to those who do subscribe or donate.
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an “Economic” thread.
Huge thanks to Kimpton Bradford for being my monthly sponsor again. His words:
“During this early autumn month, let’s thank the intellectual giants who came before us and helped illuminate the path towards recognising the dramatic changes taking place in our environment. Henry David Thoreau, John Muir and Aldo Leopold form part of a remarkable intellectual throughline, laying the foundations for so many of the thinkers we listen to and lean on today.”
“Microplastics in soil pose global threat by acting like ‘Trojan horse’ to deliver toxins…
“Microplastics can create new microbial habitats on their surfaces. Known as the plastisphere, these surfaces form a hotspot for interactions between plastics, microbes and agrochemicals, the researchers found.”
“Air pollution linked to higher suicide risk, international research suggests…
“Environmental pollution is known to be associated with poorer mental health but its role in suicide risk is less well understood. Scientists at Queen’s University Belfast examined whether air, noise, light, and water pollution could influence the risk of death by suicide and suicidal behaviours.”
“August 2026 saw the highest water vapor levels in the modern record due to the extreme warmth from climate change and the El Niño. This trend is not going to stop as long as we’re dumping carbon into the atmosphere and it’s going to contribute to more and more intense rain events.”
“Earth’s atmosphere is getting less dusty. That could be adding to global warming…
“Study co-author Jasper Kok, a UCLA atmospheric scientist and principal investigator on the project, noted that the recent dust decrease marks a change from much of the 20th century, during which atmospheric dust increased before peaking in the 1980s for reasons scientists are still exploring.”
“As freshwater reserves shrink, countries must prepare for a new water reality.
“The world is entering a period in which abnormal water supplies are becoming the norm, with river flows, groundwater and glaciers all showing signs of sustained disruption, the UN weather agency warned on Thursday.”
“New warnings have been literally pouring in about melting ice on and around Svalbard. It was another record-warm summer for the Arctic archipelago governed by Norway, with receding glaciers even exposing at least one new island that had been hidden by ice.”
“Earth lost more than 12 trillion tons of ice from Greenland and Antarctica in 47 years, satellites show.
“About 12.5 trillion tons (11.3 trillion metric tons) of ice from glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica have melted since 1979, which is enough frozen water to stack ice 5 feet (1.5 meters) deep across the continental United States, according to a major scientific report.”
“We need an observatory for the cooling north Atlantic.
“The proposal to establish an observatory for the cooling North Atlantic centers on creating a transnational consortium to monitor the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). This initiative seeks to provide governments with a crucial early warning system against a potential climate tipping point.”
“RAC warn of even more potholes after the record hot UK summer.
“Following 2026’s record hot summer, the RAC warns that high temperatures and strong UV have left road surfaces brittle and cracking. As autumn turns to winter, our fragile roads face further breakdown, and even more potholes.”
“Extreme weather exposes growing gaps in farm insurance [UK].
“Farmers could face higher premiums, tighter exclusions and growing gaps in insurance cover as extreme weather and increasingly complex farm businesses reshape agricultural risk, insurers have warned.”
“EU to launch climate insurance scheme after summer of extreme weather…
“The European Union will create a “climate insurance alliance” to increase cover for extreme weather events, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday, as the bloc emerges from a summer of drought, wildfires and heatwaves.”
““We’ve gone from a record high to a record low in one year, if [the estimates] materialise,” said Craig Elliott, market analyst for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at commodity price information service Expana. “It’s potato drama.””
“‘Hellish’ wildfires burned through Europe for 300,000 years after supercontinent Pangea broke up.
“At the time of the end-Triassic mass extinction, wildfires fuelled by fast-spreading ferns gripped Europe. It burned for thousands of years… Van de Schootbrugge said that the study shows that climate change, deforestation, and certain species can once again set the stage for a new storm.“
“Trees fall on cars and garden sheds in Traunreut during storms [Bavaria]…
“The fire brigade from Traunreut was only able to start the clean-up work here after various owners of parked cars were located so as not to damage them. The Traunreut fire brigade was in action in Traunreut with full team strength.”
“Look how the highest Pyrenees mountain looks like on Sept. 15th after insane 2026 summer!
“No ice left below the summit (L) and Aneto’s Gl lost into the immense Little Ice Age forefield (moraines at the bottom). At this pace, ~5-10 yrs before disappearance!”
“Floods return to Valencia with 2024 tragedy still fresh in mind.
“Flooding hits Valencia, Spain, with torrential rain triggering rescues and major travel disruptions. It’s just two years since the October 2024 tragedy in which catastrophic floods killed more than 220 people in Valencia province.”
“The Mediterranean is getting warmer and saltier at an ever-faster pace—even thousands of meters below the surface.
“Across its basins and thousands of meters down, the Mediterranean Sea is getting warmer and saltier. Now, a new study finds it is also doing so at an increasingly rapid pace. The speedup is largest in the central and eastern Mediterranean and strongest of all in the Adriatic, where it reaches all the way to the sea floor.”
“Algeria faces calls to drop death penalty plans after wildfires…
“Amnesty accused Algerian authorities of using the proposed expanded death penalty to target political opposition groups. The rights group said authorities arrested 20 people pending investigations for arson and subversion – a potentially terrorism-related charge – between July 26 and September 10.”
“DR CONGO: Just days after fires killed at least 27 schoolchildren and destroyed hundreds of homes in Bukavu, heavy rain has brought flooding, adding to the misery of people already displaced and living through an ongoing conflict.
“Disaster after disaster, while people try to survive a conflict they have no control over.”
“Pezeshkian pushes for drafting Iran-China action plan to combat desertification…
“The rise in temperatures, drop in precipitation, intensified droughts, and frequent SDSs have not only threatened the ecosystem and biodiversity but also jeopardized the country’s food security by exacerbating soil erosion, expanding desertification, and declining agricultural productivity.”
“WWF-P official says the fishy smell is the result of decomposing microscopic marine algae, called phytoplankton… Climate change expert Fatima Yamin also attributed the scale of the smell to the weather conditions too.”
“A historic deluge dropped seven inches of torrential rain in just a few hours across the city of Mandvi in the Kutch region of Gujarat, NW India.
“The sudden, intense cloudburst quickly overwhelmed municipal drainage infrastructure, turning busy commercial streets and residential areas like Navapura into deep, roaring rivers that completely submerged parked vehicles.”
“Karnataka Dam Water Levels Expose a Growing Cauvery Water Squeeze [SW India]…
“The Cauvery numbers reveal the immediate operational pressure. The four reservoirs are receiving about 8,000 cusecs of inflow, while approximately 18,500 cusecs is being released from them. In other words, the reported outflow is more than twice the combined inflow at the time of the assessment.”
“Hottest September day in the state of Kerala, SW India.
“Punalur recorded 37C [98.6F] on 16 Sep which breaks the previous state record of 36.5C set only a few days ago on 13 Sep. Before 2026, Alapuzzha held the record with 36.4C on 2 Sep 2015.” [Vaibhav Vernekar]
“Monsoon failure leaves crops to wither in Tamil Nadu’s Salem [SE India].
“The failure of the southwest monsoon has left farmers in the eastern parts of Salem struggling with crop losses, particularly in Thalaivasal, Thammampatti, Attur and Pethanaickenpalayam, where agriculture largely depends on rainfall and farmers have limited access to irrigation schemes.”
“Climate change was key factor in deadly Nepal-China flood, scientists say…
“Climate change played a significant role in last month’s deadly Himalayan disaster in Nepal, thinning glaciers and thawing mountain permafrost in ways that likely destabilised the slope before it collapsed, a report released Thursday by the World Weather Attribution group said.”
“Nepal-Tibet floods may push up insurance costs for Himalayan roads, hydropower projects.
“Insurance premiums for hydropower projects, roads and bridges across the Himalayas could rise after the August 26 Nepal-Tibet floods prompted insurers and reinsurers to reassess the region’s climate exposure, Mint reported, citing people aware of the discussions.”
“Exceptional heat wave in Northern China and Mongolia. Temperatures up to 40C [104F] in Xinjiang at 43N latitude and up to 34C at 1000m in Mongolian highlands.
“Displaced by typhoons, Taiwan’s Bunun Indigenous people struggle to preserve heritage…
“Typhoon Morakot killed 755 people across Taiwan, triggering catastrophic floods and landslides. While Indigenous peoples represented just 2.1% of Taiwan’s population at the time, approximately 70% of the land declared unsafe by authorities was located within Indigenous territories.”
“Indonesia’s Sumatran elephants run out of room as wildfires spread.
“A new report by environmental group Geopix found that about 382,778 hectares of elephant habitat were affected by fires throughout August. Further fires affected 147,550 ha between Sept. 1 and 8 across 21 population pockets on Sumatra, which accounted for around 7.06 per cent of the total elephant habitat.”
“Indonesian wildfires threaten leading orangutan research site in Borneo…
“Hundreds of Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus), one of three orangutan species, live in the direct vicinity of the research stations, with more than 2,500 thought to inhabit the park, many areas of which are now on fire. All three orangutan species are considered critically endangered.”
“Health crisis grips Indonesians enduring haze: ‘my eyes sting, my head hurts’…
“Indonesia, which shares Borneo with Malaysia and Brunei, is grappling with forest fires that have ravaged swathes of the island, partly caused by the El Nino climate phenomenon that has also affected other countries in Southeast Asia and beyond.”
“Absolute insanity in the tropics: nearly every country, every island keep breaking and rebreaking all records: after breaking all 12 months records in the past years, Cocos Islands is re-breaking all of them: 31.4C [88.5F] Hottest September day in history.” [Extreme Temps]
“Temperatures across the Tropics set another monthly record in August 2026. The long-term warming trend is also very clear for all times of the year (i.e., human-caused climate change), which leads to growing heat stress impact concerns.
“Data from Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis.” [Zack Labe]
“Dead seabird found with almost 900 pieces of plastic waste in its body.
“A seabird had 894 pieces of plastic inside its body when it died, making up around 15% of its body weight. The shocking discovery was made by researchers studying wildlife on Australia’s Lord Howe Island.”
“Bird flu has claimed its first Australian sea lion and dolphin. How does the virus get into these animals?
“…The strain of bird flu now circulating in Australia and New Zealand has evolved to infect some mammal species as well as birds. Since 2021, it has decimated some seals and sea lion species overseas, especially in South America. The virus is even capable of infecting and killing dolphins.”
“The Indian and Pacific Oceans Are Falling Out of Sync…
“…since the 1980s, the long-standing relationship has weakened sharply… “A key finding is that global warming and human emissions are now overwhelming the Pacific’s natural influence on the Indian Ocean,” said Caroline Ummenhofer, a senior scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI).”
“Breaking News! Yesterday’s (preliminary) Nino 3.4 sea-surface temperature just broke past 3.0°C above the 1991-2020 baseline!
“This marks the 108th consecutive daily record, is 1.07°C above the previous daily record set in 1997, and is 4.02σ above the baseline.” [Prof Eliot Jacobson]
“All the September dynamical ENSO models (including SINTEX) are now in, and they give a 100% chance of a record event this year using the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) metric:”
“Deep ocean, familiar trash: Plastic waste found alongside possible new species.
“An international team led by Dr. Daniel Lauretta of Argentina’s natural science museum surveyed the Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon in the southwestern Atlantic, finding that our trash has accumulated in a part of the planet we typically consider pristine.”
“Aerial View Of Flooding In Jardim Pantanal, In The City Of São Paulo, Brazil.
“An aerial view shows flooding in Jardim Pantanal, in the East Zone of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on September 16, 2026. Residents continue to deal with the impact of the floods affecting the area. On Wednesday, for the fifth consecutive day, several streets remained flooded.”
“Climate change shortens the flowering and fruiting period of Cerrado species.
“A study conducted by researchers at São Paulo State University revealed that climate change is altering the reproductive rhythm of plants in the Cerrado, Brazil’s savanna-like biome. Over 15 years of monthly observations (2005–2019), the scientists found that the flowering and fruiting periods of many species have significantly shortened.”
“Record heat worsens every day more in the tropics, pushed by an exceptional El Niño: new September records of HIGHEST MINIMUMS: GUYANA – 27.8 [82F] Georgetown also NATIONAL RECORD, 26.6 New Amsterdam; FRENCH GUIANA – 25.4 St Georges, 25.3 Cayenne; PERU – 24.9 Tumbes.” [Extreme Temps]
“Thousands of sea turtles reach Mexico in yearly migration threatened by climate crisis…
“More than 330,000 sea turtles arrived in southern Mexico in a mass nesting phenomenon known as an ‘arribada’. The sixth arribada of the season, which began in March, brought thousands of turtles to the beach in less than 48 hours to lay their eggs, according to officials at La Escobilla beach sanctuary in Oaxaca, Mexico.”
“Rare algae bloom near Sanibel sparks environmental concerns.
“The waters near Sanibel have turned murky due in part to a rare algae bloom called Margalefidinium polykrikoides, or rust tide, which has been recorded in Southwest Florida for only the second time… “It is a bad thing for the environment,” Bartleson said.”
“It’s almost fall, but this record heat dome didn’t get the memo…
“A powerful heat dome — which will become the strongest on the planet Wednesday — will tower 3.7 miles above Tennessee, drawing extreme heat and humidity into the central United States from the Gulf of Mexico… “I don’t even know what to say anymore,” wrote Dallas-based meteorologist Pete Delkus about the persistent heat.“
“Here’s something you don’t see every day: elevated humidity levels in the Intermountain West!
“An unusual tropical disturbance in the Gulf of California is pushing huge amounts of moisture into Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah — leading to higher humidity and flood risks.”
“Flash flooding kills 3 in New Mexico as serious Southwest flood threat continues.
“The Southwest faces a barrage of intense rain this week as rounds of storms are tapping into unusually moisture-rich air being pulled north from Baja California, after flash flooding in New Mexico killed three people early Wednesday.”
“The Colorado River crisis will be a defining moment in US history. The river supplies 40 million people; Mead and Powell, two of the nation’s largest reservoirs, are at record lows.
“Filling them near full would take ~8 consecutive very wet winters, a statistical impossibility.” [Colin McCarthy]
“‘Just rough’: Montana fruit growers blame extreme weather for reduced harvest.
“Christie Walsh at Township Road Farm in Worden told MTN that a summer drought, combined with temperature swings over the winter and spring, killed much of her fruit crop, including haskap berries and raspberries.”
“‘We’re near a breaking point:’ firefighters say US government is failing them amid intense wildfire season…
““Accidents have been through the roof,” one firefighter said, adding that widespread fatigue has set in after being on near-nonstop fire assignments since April. Another firefighter, who works as part of a specialized helicopter crew, said he’s had to opt out of assignments this year because they were too high-risk or ill-advised.”
“Caffeine pollution could disrupt crustacean defenses against predators…
“”Caffeine is an emerging environmental contaminant in freshwater ecosystems that is primarily introduced through wastewater,” wrote Elias Fritzsche, Hannah Otto and their colleagues in their paper. “Even at low concentrations, caffeine can affect the physiology and behavior of aquatic organisms.””
I rely on donations and tips from my readers to keep the site running. Every little bit helps. Can you chip in even a dollar?Buy me a coffee or become a Patreon supporter. A huge thank you to those who do subscribe or donate.
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an “Economic” thread.
Huge thanks to Kimpton Bradford for being my monthly sponsor again. His words:
“During this early autumn month, let’s thank the intellectual giants who came before us and helped illuminate the path towards recognising the dramatic changes taking place in our environment. Henry David Thoreau, John Muir and Aldo Leopold form part of a remarkable intellectual throughline, laying the foundations for so many of the thinkers we listen to and lean on today.”
“The Ocean’s En Fuego! 15% of the oceans are record warm right now. Double the record of 7.3% set back in 2023. (data NOAA OISST)…
“That record is a mid Sept record, not necessarily an all-time record… although it could be an all-time record (it would be a lot of time/ work to analyze that).”
“The warmth over western Siberia extending into the Kara Sea basin has been very persistent this summer, with temperature anomalies easily more than 5°C above the 1981-2010 average. This is one of the fast changing parts of the Arctic during the boreal summer season.
“35 DEGREES [95F] IN SIBERIA IN MID SEPTEMBER! The brutally hot air from Middle East is moving East with 40C in Kazakhstan, 35C In Siberia at 53N latitude.
“Next days the hot air will enter China and Mongolia with temperatures up to 35C at 1000m asl. It’s a never ending fabric of heat waves.” [Extreme Temps]
“Subsidence claims ‘to hit £250m’ within months after record heatwave [UK].
“Subsidence claims are poised to hit £250m between August and November after thousands of homes were damaged by drought, a specialist company has warned… “Structural damage caused by hot summer temperatures could trigger surge in payouts.”
“‘Monster rats’ are multiplying in the UK thanks to warm weather.
“Britain is suffering a monster rat boom as extreme weather changes help the enormous rodents multiply, according to an expert. Pest control expert Paul Claydon says he has never seen so many rats, nor such large ones.”
“Mid-September, and we’re still exceeding 37°C [98.6F] in France, whereas in the last century, reaching such temperatures was already rare even in the heart of summer.
“Never before has a drought in France spilled over so much into autumn. And the situation is not expected to improve quickly…” [Dr Serge Zaka]
“Record temperatures and historic drought made April to July the hottest and driest period ever recorded in Switzerland. Here’s how the unprecedented summer heatwave has affected elderly residents, farmers, businesses and nature.”
“Researchers identify rubber-related chemicals in Swiss milk…
“More surprising was the discovery that dairy equipment itself may contribute to contamination. Analysis of hoses, seals and other rubber components used in milk production revealed 14 rubber-related chemicals. “What is surprising is that these compounds come from materials legally authorized to be in contact with food,” Breider says.”
“Croatia’s toxic waste dump scandal shows the cost of Europe’s ‘forever chemicals’.
“…the evidence of PFAS contamination in groundwater is raising questions about the chemicals’ growing role in the country’s industry. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Zagreb earlier this month (5 September) to protest over harmful waste that has been illegally dumped in Croatia and remains uncleared.”
“Croatia: ‘Monster’ fire triggers evacuation on Brac island…
“The situation was especially dramatic near the small town of Milna on the island’s western coast. “Last night was a disaster. It was simply impossible,” Milna Mayor Frane Lozic told Net.hr news outlet. “I would have not believed that [the fire] can wipe out everything in its path so quickly.””
“Wildfires Burn Thousands of Hectares, Exposing Albania’s Systemic Weaknesses…
“In early September, wildfires engulfed Himara, burning olive groves on the hills around the Albanian coastal city and forcing emergency evacuations. Thick smoke blanketed the city as the flames spread towards inhabited areas.”
“A rare hurricane-like storm may form soon near Libya.
“It’s difficult to predict the path of this type of system, but it could impact Greece, northern Libya or northwest Egypt… The strongest medicane on record was named Ianos, which impacted Greece on Sept. 17 and 18, 2020.”
“Passengers screamed in terror as severe turbulence rocked a Turkish Airlines flight during its descent into Tunisia, with one traveler saying the plane “started to plummet” after repeated attempts to land in stormy weather.
“The flight from Istanbul was approaching Tunis-Carthage International Airport on Thursday when poor weather turned what had been a smooth journey into a frightening ordeal.”
“Massive sizes of hailstones from Ain Arko village in the municipality of Tamalous, Guelma Province, during the recent atmospheric instability.” [Arab Storms]
“Record August heat prompts calls for stronger water protection in Morocco.
“For Morocco, Ouedghiri said, the concern extends beyond temperature records to the pressure that heat, irregular rainfall and repeated drought place on water supplies, farming and food security. Moroccanculture insights.”
“Absolute insanity going on with thousands of records every day for months allover North and Central Africa Today. 45.2C [113.4F] Bima is HOTTEST SEPTEMBER DAY EVER RECORDED IN NIGER. 45C in Morocco.” [Extreme Temps]
“Heatwaves worsen plight of displaced people in conflict-hit Sudan.
“Millions of displaced people in Sudan are suffering from a devastating heatwave that has gripped the country since the beginning of summer, worsening living conditions amid dwindling resources and medical supplies across the war-torn country.”
“In parts of Africa, rainmakers face cruel violence by farmers as climate change vexes many.
“The farmers who paid David Nabutsilili money to summon rain were angry when they received so much of it that their vegetable gardens were left flooded. They chased him up and down the hills, stopping when he fell upon a rock and broke a femur. That was his punishment.”
“Tonight was an extremely hot night in Rajastan with a Minimum temperature of 30.6C [87.1F] at Jaisalmer, the highest ever recorded in September.” [Extreme Temps]
“Himalayan glacier mass loss accelerated 65% over past decade: Report…
“The report, prepared through a partnership involving global systems-change company Systemiq and India’s Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), describes the Himalayas as approaching a critical tipping point and calls attention to major gaps in monitoring and disaster preparedness.”
“India to supply Nepal electricity after floods wrecked hydropower projects.
“At least 12 hydropower projects in Nepal were hit, with at least 900 power station workers among the more than 5,500 people still missing in the country. Almost 100 percent of the country’s energy needs were met by hydropower before the floods hit.”
“The death toll from the landslide disaster in Nepal has risen to 1,396.
“Earlier reports put the death toll at 1,386. More than 5,100 people remain missing. During a telephone conversation with his Latvian counterpart Baiba Braze on Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed that China, which was also affected by the disaster, would make every effort to continue the search for those missing.”
“Affected by a tropical depression, Wuzhishan in Hainan was struck by extreme torrential rain on September 14; the 24-hour rainfall of 729mm [28.7 inches] broke the record…
“The rain has triggered the worst flooding in the area’s history.” [Jim Yang]
“Tornado hits south China’s Hainan Province, downing numerous trees.
“Based on on-site surveys and weather analysis, the local meteorological department said wind speeds reached Force 11 to 12, snapping numerous trees. A school affected by the tornado is actively organizing cleanup and recovery efforts.”
“Typhoon Forecast to Approach Okinawa During Silver Week…
“The Japan Meteorological Agency’s latest simulations show active rain clouds associated with the system moving toward Okinawa through around September 22. The storm could then make a U-turn-like change in direction around September 23, with rainfall forecast to intensify in western and northern Japan.”
“Korea’s aquaculture takes full blow of climate change.
“I’ve been farming fish for 38 years, but with sea temperatures rising each year and losses snowballing like this, I don’t know how we’re going to hold on. A putrid stench blanketed the area as about a dozen fishing boats docked one by one at Dara Port in Sanyang-eup, Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province.”
“Extreme warming in Indian Ocean added 695 billion tons of ice to Antarctica ice sheet.
“While climate change is melting glaciers, the East Antarctic ice sheet grew by nearly 700 billion tons over three years. While that might sound like good news, it is actually proof that global warming can wreak havoc on the planet. Here is what actually happened.”
“Ararat records warmest winter [Victoria, Australia].
“Ararat has notched up its warmest winter on record despite receiving almost 50 per cent more rain than usual across the season. Bureau of Meteorology figures show Ararat Prison recorded a mean temperature of 9.2 degrees across June, July and August – the highest in its 50-year winter record.”
“Soaked region: Southland records wettest winter in 46 years [NZ]…
“Murihiku Southland has gone from a drier-than-usual autumn to its wettest winter in more than 45 years, leaving the region soaked… “We’ve gone from very low rainfall in May to high and very high rainfall from late June onwards,” he said.”
“Here is the latest combined forecast across all 14 models, compared to past strong El Nino events. It shows just how extreme and unprecedented this event is forecast to be:”
“On September 11th, the preliminary Nino 3.4 sea-surface temperature measured 2.98°C above the 1991-2020 mean, which was 4.03 standard deviations above the mean. No previous year has broken 3SD.” [Prof Eliot Jacobson]
“Ocean anomalies up to 14°F! While El Niño drives global weather patterns, its biggest impacts are arguably local in Peru, Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.
“The extreme warmth along the coast is disrupting one of the most productive ocean ecosystems on Earth.” [Jeff Berardelli]
“Ecuador battles wildfires as blazes spread across 5 provinces…
“Nine wildfires remain active across Ecuador, with emergencies reported in five provinces, according to the latest report from the National Risk Management Secretariat… Authorities are maintaining continuous monitoring of the affected areas and coordinating emergency response efforts as conditions develop.”
“Ushuaia, Argentina, Just Recorded Its Least Snowy Winter in 40 Years [since systematic monitoring and measurements began].
“Data released from the meteorological winter (June, July, and August) shows that the city—famously known as the “end of the world” and a premier gateway for Southern Andes skiing—reached a 40-year snow low.”
“Rain causes deaths, flooding and landslides in São Paulo…
“The rain also caused flooding in different parts of São Paulo. During the night, the Climate Emergency Management Center (CGE) placed the south, west, east, north and southeast zones, in addition to the marginal Pinheiros and Tietê, in a state of attention for flooding.”
“‘Carbon fever’ threatens hard-won Indigenous rights in Bolivian Amazon.
“Indigenous leaders of three ethnic groups – the Tacana, Ese Ejja and Cabineño – have complained about companies and foundations that arrive with offers of “climate solutions”, often during the ever more frequent droughts or floods. “We heard about this [carbon] business and nobody understood what it was,” says Julio Mayo, from the Cabineña nation…”
“Panama canal traffic to be cut again as drought from El Niño worsens…
“From October, an average of 29.5 vessels will be allowed to transit daily – down 18% from 36 in August, according to a draft plan submitted to Panama’s parliament. In September, officials cut daily transits from 36 to 32 because of the drought.”
“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT IN CENTRAL AMERICA. Record after record pulverized again:
“42.3 [108.1F] Choluteca HONDURAS HOTTEST SEPTEMBER DAY IN HISTORY; 29.1C Choluteca, 28.1 Trujillo HONDURAS HOTTEST SEPTEMBER NIGHTEVER; 40.3 Alcahuapa EL SALVADOR HOTTEST SEPTEMBER DAY IN HISTORY.” [Extreme Temps]
“VIDEOS of the serious flooding today, September 14 in Ecatepec: cars swept away and streets under water.
“The emergency left images of vehicles trapped and dragged by the current, in addition to significant accumulations of water in different parts of both municipalities. The effects reached main roads and areas where drainage was insufficient due to the volume of rain.”
“Tijuana River is chronically polluted with sewage, chemicals…
““Our monitoring documents the unprecedented levels of sewage and industrial pollution in the Tijuana River that are causing severe impacts to public health, the Tijuana River Estuary and our coastal ocean waters,” Phillip Musegaas, Coastkeeper’s executive director, said in a statement.”
“It’s not simply drought: Herrera explains how a 1944 US-Mexico water treaty built on unrealistic flow estimates, expanding agricultural production on both sides of the border, and “use it or lose it” water rights that reward maxing out irrigation all helped push the Rio Grande to the brink.”
“South‑Central US Bakes as Another Heat Dome Locks In Late Summer Extremes…
“Millions now face another week of dangerous heat, worsening air quality and the potential for storms forming along the dome’s edges as the pattern expands eastward.”
“North Texas set a new heat record for the month of September.
“Sunday’s high of 103 degrees marked the 12th triple-digit day of September in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, setting a record for the most 100-degree days ever recorded in the month of September. More triple-digit temperatures and daily high records are possible this week…”
“I’ve noted before that September is increasingly becoming a full-fledged summer month, regularly running warmer than Junes from earlier in the historical record.
“But there’s still been a hard seasonal boundary: no September has ever been warmer than any July or August in the Contiguous US record. That could very well change in 2026.” [The Global Warmer]
“Drenching rains bring flash flooding across coastal Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.
“The National Weather Service said the hardest-hit areas appeared to be northern New Jersey, parts of New York’s Westchester County and a swath of coastal Connecticut along Interstate 95.”
“US ends limits on coal and gas plant emissions, removing key tool to battle climate crisis.
“On the heels of the hottest summer ever recorded in the US, the Trump administration has said it will erase any limits on emissions from coal and gas plants that are dangerously heating up our planet.”
“Kipnuk prepares for strong Bering Sea storm surge, nearly one year since Typhoon Halong remnants washed away homes [Alaska].
“A strong storm moving through the Bering Sea Monday night is expected to bring high surf, winds and rain to communities devastated by former Typhoon Halong nearly one year ago.”
“Pfas companies are launching a “tidal wave” of forever chemicals production to meet demand from the AI industry, a campaign organisation has warned.
“Despite alarm over the chemicals, which have been linked to cancer, a survey of the 10 biggest manufacturers found most had plans to increase production.”
“We should be more scared of climate change destroying humanity than AI.
“With everyone warning of an AI extinction event within a decade, we seem to have forgotten about the climate crisis already here – and its knock-on effects, from financial crises and conflict to new disease outbreaks and other calamities.”
I rely on donations and tips from my readers to keep the site running. Every little bit helps. Can you chip in even a dollar?Buy me a coffee or become a Patreon supporter. A huge thank you to those who do subscribe or donate.
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an “Economic” thread.
“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.
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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.
“UK shares findings of damning climate crisis national security report suppressed under Starmer…
“Quick oceans update: yah, sea surface temperatures remain in new territory this year.
“Large portions of the Arctic Ocean are getting wetter in the month of September. The largest trends are found in the Barents-Kara Seas and toward eastern Greenland.”
“Icebreakers may go further north than usual route: scientists discover new current in the Arctic.
“Russian woman mauled to death by bear as attacks surge across Siberian region…
“Alaska’s ‘Rusting’ Waters More Acidic Than Mine Drainage.
“The UK is on track to smash the previous warmest year on record. 
“A rare flower may have been wiped out in southern England by extreme heat and drought, in what experts warn is a “canary in the mine” for how climate change is driving the loss of species.
“Cheese and butter prices could soar after heatwave hits milk production [UK]…
“EU Energy Chief Signals Delay to Methane Rules For Imports.
“EXTRAORDINARY 38 DEGREES [100.4F] IN FRANCE.
“LATEST 40C [104F] IN SPAIN CLIMATIC HISTORY.
“Farmers Face Severe Losses as Rainfall Deficit Reaches Record Levels [Hungary].
“A violent water bomb, which lasted just over half an hour, put several areas of Partinico in difficulty [Siciliy]. 
“Flash Floods Hit Western Libyan Cities, Destroy Bridges in North.
“Nigeria faces world’s highest projected heat death toll from super El Niño…
“Scientists clone Southern Africa’s wild fruit trees as forests disappear…
“Mass sardine die-off pits survival of South Africa’s penguins against fishers’ livelihoods.
“Farmers in South Africa’s Limpopo face unpredictable rainfall, uncertain futures…
“Kenyan growers behind half of Britain’s black tea supply say climate shocks are crushing incomes…
“Yemenis say they don’t have enough water in Taiz displacement camp.
“Far-right settlers divert West Bank spring water as Israel backs heritage site takeovers.
“Ben-Gvir posts video claiming both banks of Jordan River belong to Israel.
“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT IN MIDDLE EAST:
“Four killed as heavy rain, hailstorm lash several cities [Pakistan].
“Pakistan’s Sharif warns any diversion of Indus waters will be ‘treated as an act of war’…
“Historic heat in MUMBAI, India.
“Odisha-AP road link cut off as bridges go under water [E India].
“Heavy rain brings highway closures, night travel restrictions across Nepal.
“Nepal’s PM says flash flood was ‘warning to world’ as he scolds leaders at UN over climate change…
“On September 25, northern Chongqing and northeastern Sichuan were struck by torrential downpours, with 210mm [8.3 inches] of rain falling in six hours, triggering floods in areas such as Kaizhou and Dazhou.”
“Storm menaces Japan after highest cyclone tally since 1966.
“3 lionesses die at Tokyo zoo during recent record heat wave.
“Record heat continues in THAILAND:
“Bangkok declares disaster in all 50 districts as heavy rain triggers severe floods.
“Flash flood kills 1, leaves 4 high school students missing in Zamboanga Sibugay [Philippines].
“The treasured ‘eternal snow’ on this tropical island is about to disappear forever.
“Perisher closes today, ending IMO the worst Australian snow season in memory.
“Never ending record heat in AUSTRALIA:
“Hurricane Polo is one of the all-time great Eastern Pacific hurricanes [heading for Baja California].
“This is quite absurd. Not only does El Niño continue to warm, but the ELI index is shifting east quickly, now reaching an all-time record for the most east-based El Niño since 1950.”
“Record heat continues alongside the coast of PERU:
“Peru | A majestic scene of a massive snow collapse from Nevado Humantay mountain in the Cusco region today, documented by several tourists capturing the moment when huge snow masses surged forcefully down the mountain.”
“Senapred decrees Red Alert in Cautín and Arauco, and activates Yellow Alerts due to flood risk in different areas of the south of the country [Chile].
“Dozens of southern right whale calves have been found dead on Argentina’s Patagonian coast. Scientists are probing a possible bacterial infection…
“EXCEPTIONAL HEAT IN COLOMBIA. Record heat never ends in Colombia. Another historic day with an avalanche of records:
“Record heat never ends in MEXICO:
“As of September 22nd, the Gulf of Mexico sea-surface temperature is record hot, at 1.68°C (3.02°F) above the 1991-2020 mean. This breaks the previous record for the day set in 2024 by over 0.51°C (0.92°F). And no hurricanes! 
“Historic drought conditions recorded in Kansas: July and August 2026 mark driest period since Dust Bowl…
“Texas Farmer Says Drought Is the Worst He’s Ever Seen.
“New Mexico National Guard helps Hondo residents after major flash flooding.
“Northeast faces weekend of relentless wind, rain and coastal flooding as powerful fall nor’easter digs in.
“150,000 Tons of Radioactive Waste Were Dumped in The Atlantic. Decades Later, It’s Visibly Oozing…
“Elites Have No Plan for Climate Collapse…
“Earth may not bounce back after temporarily crossing climate limits…
“This is astonishing. Using Helama’s exact Northern Hemisphere tree-ring regions, we estimate June July August 2026 at ~+3.35°C relative to the reconstructed 1850–1900 mean — an absolutely enormous departure on this 2,000-year series…
“Berkeley Earth’s newly updated data show August 2026 at +1.691°C globally — nearly 1.7°C above the late-19th-century average…
“The Arctic sea ice melt season grew longer for decades, but something strange happened around 2010.
“Heat waves on land are starting earlier and developing faster, global analysis reveals.
“The Past Decade’s Emissions Are Already Driving Worse Heat Waves in Europe.
“‘The eels were climbing out of the water to die’: why did every fish in this idyllic lake perish overnight? 
“England’s first new reservoir in 30 years delayed despite drought warnings.
“Food supply threatened by climate change say national farmers union [UK]…
“France’s soils hit September drought record as dry weather threatens autumn crops…
“HISTORIC OVER 40C [104F] IN PORTUGAL.
“Spain’s 2026 the ‘hottest and longest summer on record’ as highs of 39C [102.2F] continue into late September.
“Firefighters work several hours on a fire this morning in Badajoz [Spain].
“Cloudburst in the night over the Catania area, flooding and inconvenience [Sicily].
“Lightning Kills 88 Sheep During Storm in Northwestern Greece.
“Kifissos River awash in industrial waste.
“Many vehicles were damaged on the road that collapsed due to flooding in Ankara [Turkey]…
“Tunisia says 2026 summer hottest on record, temperatures topped 49.7°C.
“When rains shift and farms become unsafe: Dangers of Nigeria’s changing farming calendar.
“Here we are again and again. SOUTH AFRICA FACTORY OF HEAT WAVES:
“Climate change is fuelling African conflict – governments are developing a shared response…
“Sudan | Gedaref.
“Somalia on famine watch as floods loom and aid runs dry…
“Water Scarcity in Jordan Is Causing an Agricultural Crisis…
“As water grows scarce, Syrian farmers test soil-free agriculture.
“EXTRAORDINARY WORLD HEAT RECORD – 48.7C [119.7F] Omidiyeh IRAN IS WORLD RECORD OF LATE SEPTEMBER HIGHEST TEMPERATURE.
“Today, 21 weather stations in northern China broke the record for the hottest late-September day, while four others tied the record. 
“As Japan swelters, farmers turn to new heat-resistant rice varieties to boost staple crop…
“Nine people have died and four remain missing in Kanto after Typhoon Dujuan battered the region with heavy rain, according to the latest tallies from local authorities…
“Pattaya floods leave one foreign man missing on Thursday [Thailand].
“Heavy rain triggers severe flooding across Indonesia’s Batam City [Riau Province].
“HISTORIC HEAT IN INDONESIA:
“As fires spread in Indonesia, Bornean orangutans run out of forest to flee…
“More record heat in AUSTRALIA. Now in Western Australia:
“Record heat in OCEANIA:
“For the second time in less than a month, three hurricanes could be spinning at the same time across the eastern and central Pacific later this week. 
“The Patagonia town where Nepal’s deadly glacier flood could be repeated – and what they’ve learned…
“Rare meteotsunami hits southern Brazil without an earthquake, flooding streets and dragging boats.
“Storm in Santa Catarina: heavy rains caused flooding in 14 cities and Criciúma declared an emergency [Brazil]…
“Rio breaks record for rainiest September amid powerful El Nino.
“Water scarcity stirs debate over who owns Brazil’s rivers…
“Brazil creates four Amazon reserves as plans to pave rainforest highway advance.
“EXCEPTIONAL HEAT IN COLOMBIA:
“More and more records in PERU:
“How the Panama Canal Became a 50-Mile Waterway With a $5 Million Ticket Price.
“Southwestern Mexico braced Wednesday for coastal flooding and landslides from rains from Hurricane Polo.
“99.9th Percentile +
“Sharks, sea snakes and weird fish: El Niño brings unusual marine life to Southern California.
“20 inches and counting: Fort Lauderdale shatters monthly rainfall record.
“The Climate May Have Some Surprises in Store…
“The anthropogenic fingerprint on emerging infectious diseases…
“Fears mount that next UN chief will downgrade climate action…
“Seven of nine Planetary Boundaries now at record breach levels…
“‘Jaw-dropping’ El Niño bursts through temperature record months before peak…
“The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) is so far lower this month than in any prior September on record, signaling a strong El Niño response in the atmosphere.
“Wildlife will be affected by current drought for years to come, UK government says…
“I no longer have the words to describe what is currently happening in France.
“Fance to Upgrade Heat Wave Modeling After Record Nuclear Curbs.
“HISTORIC EUROPEAN HEAT:
“Magnitude of glacial collapse in the Alps is hard to grasp! 
“Northern floods, southern droughts: Italy’s hottest summer since 1950.
“Sochi flooded after heavy rain [Black Sea, Russia].
“Heavy rain puts two Black Sea cities on alert [Turkey].
“Bad weather: the lifeless body of an Algerian gendarme recovered in Tunisia.
“Egyptian irrigation minister: Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is illegitimate.
“EXCEPTIONAL HEAT IN TANZANIA
“Saudi Arabia.
“Iraq could see 300 days of sandstorms annually in upcoming decade: Observatory…
“Heavy, dense clouds triggered deadly flash floods and landslides in Kerala high ranges [south-western India].
“How Ganesh idols on a dry Andhra riverbed reflect southern India’s water crisis [south-eastern India].
“Why Meghalaya’s wettest towns are facing a growing drought risk [eastern India].
“Seven glacial lakes in Arunachal pose downstream flood threat [Indian Himalayas, bordering China].
“‘Orphaned’ by floods, more than 500 Nepali children face uncertain future….
“Two dead, three missing after Sichuan mudslide.
“Four dead as Typhoon Dujuan leads to torrential rain and 1.5 million evacuations in Japan.
“HISTORIC HEAT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA:
“KL mayor: Sunday flash floods hit city after Ampang, Lembah Keramat record 155mm rainfall [Malaysia].
“Flash Floods devastate Solok Regency in West Sumatra, Indonesia.
“MORE HISTORIC HEAT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA:
“‘The physical toll is visceral’: How Indonesia’s fire haze affects millions – visual guide.
“El Niño Drought Forces Production Cuts at Indonesian Nickel Hub.
“Endangered sea lions test positive for bird flu at breeding colony.
“More than 150,000 underwater explosives used to deter seals at Tasmanian salmon farms since 2016…
“EXCEPTIONAL HEAT IN AUSTRALIA AND OCEANIA:
“Record cold in ANTARCTIC ARGENTINA:
“EXTRAORDINARY – ALMOST 46C IN SOUTH AMERICA:
“Giant hail causes chaos in several towns across Córdoba and Santa Fe, Argentina.
“At least four people were reported missing after a powerful storm hit southern Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state on Monday, according to the Civil Defense agency [Brazil]
“Tight Brazil election challenges fragile gains for Amazon conservation…
“HISTORIC HEAT ALL OVER SOUTH AMERICA:
“Colombia declares public calamity as wildfire threatens popular tourist area.
“Record again in JAMAICA!
“Floods and landslides among the rainy incidences in the Central District [Tegucigalpa, Honduras]…
“Hurricane Polo has rapidly strengthened into a major hurricane and is forecast to obtain Category 5 status as it threatens portions of Mexico’s Pacific coast with flooding rain, damaging winds and storm surge.
“California braces for record El Niño storms as governor declares emergency.
“Two helicopter pilots killed while battling Yosemite fires…
“Reno leads 192 US cities in August warming, analysis finds.
“El Paso ends historic hot summer with longest streak of 90-degree days.
“Texas drought worsens in Rio Grande Valley: ‘This is a huge problem’…
“Lanesboro left cleaning up again after second round of major flash flooding this year [MInnesota].
“They get little attention compared to other greenhouse gases, but halogen compounds now in the atmosphere cause a global greenhouse gas forcing of >0.4 W/m²!
“World leaders address climate crisis before UN meet amid record-breaking El Niño…
“Ocean Death Countdown…
“Exxon Sounds Alarm Coal Use Is Accelerating Global Warming.
“*Earth’s Warmest Months in Millenia*.
“Trends in September Arctic sea ice thickness over approximately the last four decades (yes, that shows thinning everywhere)… 
“Whale pod spotted in Thames is ‘highly unusual’…
“Patients died in ‘suffocating’ heatwave conditions on NHS wards, nurses say…
“Burning forests, emptying rivers, €180bn in damage: Europe’s politicians face reckoning after ‘summer of truth’…
“All the factors of a major agricultural crisis are converging [France].
“Swiss agricultural cooperative pays farms CHF7.2m drought relief.
“A British man has died after late summer storms caused flooding in large parts of eastern Spain with Barcelona and Valencia hit hard.
“A violent water bomb hit northern Rome this morning, causing heavy flooding, traffic disruption and problems in several areas of the city.
“Shock Downpour Sends Water Torrenting into the Uffizi, Threatening Masterworks.
“Plastic Pollution Threatens Greece’s Beaches as Microplastics Emerge…
“Black Sea dolphin population could take up to 50 years to recover to prewar levels – environmentalist.
“Heavy rainfall in Trabzon in the evening hours negatively affected life [Turkey, Black Sea].
“Scenes from the Five Wings neighborhood in Choueifat, south of Beirut, following yesterday’s Friday rains; where the waters swept large quantities of waste and debris into the streets. 
“Heavy rain brought parts of Tunisia’s capital to a standstill on Thursday, flooding roads and homes, trapping people in cars and disrupting electricity and internet services.
“Torrential rains fell on Friday in several regions of Algeria. In Chlef, heavy rainfall caused flooding and the intervention of firefighters saved a girl who was swept away by the waters in the industrial zone, said the Civil Protection.
“More and more record heat in AFRICA:
“Senegal is living an unprecedented heat wave on the coast after the 2025 record heat. Now it’s worse.
“Sudan – a strong dust storm is currently striking the Al-Fadaniya area in East Nile, causing a clear deterioration in horizontal visibility.”
“Sudan’s henna heritage wilts as war, drought and Nile thirst choke crimson bride tradition…
“Record heat is all over Africa from North to South and from West to East.
“Heavy rains and sweeping flash floods strike the Al-Hawta area in Shabwa [Yemen] this afternoon, Thursday, September 17, with strong water flows between homes and roads.”
“Drought and poaching threaten wildlife in Iraq’s desert.
“The Tragic Drying of Hoor al-Azim and the Burning of the Zagros in Iran.
“Yet more and more records in INDIA.
“India’s rice output faces biggest drop in two decades.
“India must face up to the fact that the Himalayas are on their deathbed and understand what happens if those mountains die…
“Road connectivity disrupted across Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan amid landslides.
“Young Nepalis battle climate dread in wake of flood disaster.
“Temperatures across northern China surged today, with Shenyang setting a record for the latest date to reach 30°C [86F]! 
“Extreme rainfall caused by climate change creates uneven risks to Chinese farming…
“At least 4 killed as floods inundate more than 16,000 homes in Vietnam.
“‘Forcing a reckoning’: How Asia is preparing for a ‘supersized’ El Niño…
“Drought forces Cambodian farmers to cut corn acreage.
“Smog scuppers Japan force helping fight Indonesia wildfires.
“What do dead monkeys reveal about Indonesia’s wildfire toll?
“Government must step in over escalating shark attacks in Western Australia, experts warn…
“Hottest September day in years forecast in parts of south-eastern Australia as ‘spring rollercoaster’ sets in…
“Hurricane-ravaged island asks tourists to return with aloha and patience [Kauai].
“While El Niño is on the cusp of breaking a new all-time record, the southern oscillation index is attempting to do so as the latest index value came in at -37.25 which is pretty incredible. 
“Impact of the Coastal El Niño in 2026: effects in Peru and Ecuador with severe climate change…
“Backed by helicopters, Ecuadorian firefighters battled a major blaze on a hill overlooking Quito on Friday, forcing the evacuation of dozens of people.
“‘At some point we’re going to have to react’: How El Niño, climate change, and crime are pushing the Amazon rainforest over the brink…
“Drone footage shows severe drought hitting river in Brazil.
“More extraordinary record heat in Caribbean and South America:
“Guatemala: Drought, Hunger, Dispossession, and an Unfulfilled Agrarian Agreement… 
“US wheat farmers navigate uncertainty amid drought and geopolitical chaos…
“Fierce heat persists in the Central and Eastern Plains [US] with abnormally hot days and nights.
“Louisiana woman faces charges after 17 cats found dead in extreme-heat conditions.
“Tennessee feels hotter than the Sahara Desert. Here’s why…
“Lake Mead plunges to historic low as water levels continue to fall.
“Tiny penguin-like sea birds are dying in droves along the California coast.
“Investigation launched after beheaded sea lion is found along San Francisco shore…
“Life-threatening rains expected across two dozen states over next week.
“Hailstorm Batters Northern Utah.
“Hailstorms hit Prairie crops mid-harvest.
“Alaska’s thawing permafrost leaves residents on thin ice…
“Endangered fin whale discovered dead on cruise ship bow in Sitka…
“US move to loosen restrictions on fishing could harm vital ecosystems, experts warn…
“Global Shipping Costs Explode as Hormuz Disruptions Hit Key Trade Routes…
“Microplastics in soil pose global threat by acting like ‘Trojan horse’ to deliver toxins…
“Air pollution linked to higher suicide risk, international research suggests…
“The Atmosphere Just Set a Water Vapor Record…
“Earth’s atmosphere is getting less dusty. That could be adding to global warming…
“As freshwater reserves shrink, countries must prepare for a new water reality.
“Svalbard ice keeps melting away.
“Earth lost more than 12 trillion tons of ice from Greenland and Antarctica in 47 years, satellites show.
“We need an observatory for the cooling north Atlantic.
“RAC warn of even more potholes after the record hot UK summer.
“Extreme weather exposes growing gaps in farm insurance [UK].
“EU to launch climate insurance scheme after summer of extreme weather…
“Heatwave triggers potato shortage in Europe…
“‘Hellish’ wildfires burned through Europe for 300,000 years after supercontinent Pangea broke up.
“Trees fall on cars and garden sheds in Traunreut during storms [Bavaria]…
“This is what the largest glacier in the Alps has lost at Konkordiaplatz…
“Look how the highest Pyrenees mountain looks like on Sept. 15th after insane 2026 summer!
“Floods return to Valencia with 2024 tragedy still fresh in mind.
“The Mediterranean is getting warmer and saltier at an ever-faster pace—even thousands of meters below the surface.
“Algeria faces calls to drop death penalty plans after wildfires…
“HISTORIC – MILLIONS OF SQUARE KM WITH RECORDS EVERYWHERE [AFRICA]. 
“DR CONGO: Just days after fires killed at least 27 schoolchildren and destroyed hundreds of homes in Bukavu, heavy rain has brought flooding, adding to the misery of people already displaced and living through an ongoing conflict.
“EXTRAORDINARY – WORLD CLIMATIC HISTORY REWRITTEN:
“Pezeshkian pushes for drafting Iran-China action plan to combat desertification…
“What’s behind the foul smell in Karachi?
“A historic deluge dropped seven inches of torrential rain in just a few hours across the city of Mandvi in the Kutch region of Gujarat, NW India. 
“Karnataka Dam Water Levels Expose a Growing Cauvery Water Squeeze [SW India]…
“Hottest September day in the state of Kerala, SW India.
“Monsoon failure leaves crops to wither in Tamil Nadu’s Salem [SE India].
“Climate change was key factor in deadly Nepal-China flood, scientists say…
“Nepal-Tibet floods may push up insurance costs for Himalayan roads, hydropower projects.
“Exceptional heat wave in Northern China and Mongolia. Temperatures up to 40C [104F] in Xinjiang at 43N latitude and up to 34C at 1000m in Mongolian highlands.
“Displaced by typhoons, Taiwan’s Bunun Indigenous people struggle to preserve heritage…
“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT IN INDONESIA. Record heat never ends: over 1300 consecutive days breaking every record over and over again.
“Indonesia’s Sumatran elephants run out of room as wildfires spread.
“Indonesian wildfires threaten leading orangutan research site in Borneo…
“Health crisis grips Indonesians enduring haze: ‘my eyes sting, my head hurts’…
“COCOS ISLANDS RECORD HEAT:
“Temperatures across the Tropics set another monthly record in August 2026. The long-term warming trend is also very clear for all times of the year (i.e., human-caused climate change), which leads to growing heat stress impact concerns.
“Dead seabird found with almost 900 pieces of plastic waste in its body.
“Bird flu has claimed its first Australian sea lion and dolphin. How does the virus get into these animals?
“The Indian and Pacific Oceans Are Falling Out of Sync…
“Breaking News! Yesterday’s (preliminary) Nino 3.4 sea-surface temperature just broke past 3.0°C above the 1991-2020 baseline! 
“All the September dynamical ENSO models (including SINTEX) are now in, and they give a 100% chance of a record event this year using the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) metric:” 
“Deep ocean, familiar trash: Plastic waste found alongside possible new species.
“Aerial View Of Flooding In Jardim Pantanal, In The City Of São Paulo, Brazil.
“Climate change shortens the flowering and fruiting period of Cerrado species.
“SOUTH AMERICA RECORD HEAT:
“EXCEPTIONAL HEAT IN COLOMBIA 43C [109.4F].
“Thousands of sea turtles reach Mexico in yearly migration threatened by climate crisis…
“Rare algae bloom near Sanibel sparks environmental concerns.
“It’s almost fall, but this record heat dome didn’t get the memo…
“Here’s something you don’t see every day: elevated humidity levels in the Intermountain West!
“Flash flooding kills 3 in New Mexico as serious Southwest flood threat continues.
“The Colorado River crisis will be a defining moment in US history. The river supplies 40 million people; Mead and Powell, two of the nation’s largest reservoirs, are at record lows. 
“‘Just rough’: Montana fruit growers blame extreme weather for reduced harvest.
“‘We’re near a breaking point:’ firefighters say US government is failing them amid intense wildfire season…
“Caffeine pollution could disrupt crustacean defenses against predators…
“The Ocean’s En Fuego! 15% of the oceans are record warm right now. Double the record of 7.3% set back in 2023. (data NOAA OISST)…
“The warmth over western Siberia extending into the Kara Sea basin has been very persistent this summer, with temperature anomalies easily more than 5°C above the 1981-2010 average. This is one of the fast changing parts of the Arctic during the boreal summer season.
“35 DEGREES [95F] IN SIBERIA IN MID SEPTEMBER! The brutally hot air from Middle East is moving East with 40C in Kazakhstan, 35C In Siberia at 53N latitude.
“The Isle of Man has experienced its two warmest summers on record in the last two years, according to Ronaldsway Met Office.
“Subsidence claims ‘to hit £250m’ within months after record heatwave [UK].
“‘Monster rats’ are multiplying in the UK thanks to warm weather.
“Mid-September, and we’re still exceeding 37°C [98.6F] in France, whereas in the last century, reaching such temperatures was already rare even in the heart of summer.
“Switzerland feels cost of record summer heat.
“Researchers identify rubber-related chemicals in Swiss milk…
“Croatia’s toxic waste dump scandal shows the cost of Europe’s ‘forever chemicals’.
“Croatia: ‘Monster’ fire triggers evacuation on Brac island…
“Wildfires Burn Thousands of Hectares, Exposing Albania’s Systemic Weaknesses…
“A rare hurricane-like storm may form soon near Libya.
“Passengers screamed in terror as severe turbulence rocked a Turkish Airlines flight during its descent into Tunisia, with one traveler saying the plane “started to plummet” after repeated attempts to land in stormy weather.
“Algeria | Guelma.
“Record August heat prompts calls for stronger water protection in Morocco.
“HISTORIC HEAT WAVE IN NORTH AFRICA:
“Heatwaves worsen plight of displaced people in conflict-hit Sudan.
“In parts of Africa, rainmakers face cruel violence by farmers as climate change vexes many.
“More record heat in INDIA.
“Himalayan glacier mass loss accelerated 65% over past decade: Report…
“India to supply Nepal electricity after floods wrecked hydropower projects.
“The death toll from the landslide disaster in Nepal has risen to 1,396.
“Affected by a tropical depression, Wuzhishan in Hainan was struck by extreme torrential rain on September 14; the 24-hour rainfall of 729mm [28.7 inches] broke the record…
“Tornado hits south China’s Hainan Province, downing numerous trees.
“Typhoon Forecast to Approach Okinawa During Silver Week…
“Korea’s aquaculture takes full blow of climate change.
“Record heat in INDONESIA never ends:
“Extreme warming in Indian Ocean added 695 billion tons of ice to Antarctica ice sheet.
“Ararat records warmest winter [Victoria, Australia].
“Soaked region: Southland records wettest winter in 46 years [NZ]…
“Here is the latest combined forecast across all 14 models, compared to past strong El Nino events. It shows just how extreme and unprecedented this event is forecast to be:”
“Breaking News! Code: y-Axis Alert!
“Ocean anomalies up to 14°F! While El Niño drives global weather patterns, its biggest impacts are arguably local in Peru, Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. 
“Avalanche of Sept. records on the Peruvian coast, thanks to the development of a historic El Niño:
“Ecuador battles wildfires as blazes spread across 5 provinces…
“Ushuaia, Argentina, Just Recorded Its Least Snowy Winter in 40 Years [since systematic monitoring and measurements began].
“Rain causes deaths, flooding and landslides in São Paulo…
“‘Carbon fever’ threatens hard-won Indigenous rights in Bolivian Amazon.
“Panama canal traffic to be cut again as drought from El Niño worsens…
“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT IN CENTRAL AMERICA. Record after record pulverized again:
“VIDEOS of the serious flooding today, September 14 in Ecatepec: cars swept away and streets under water.
“Tijuana River is chronically polluted with sewage, chemicals…
“Rio Grande’s Trouble Is Worse Than Most Realize…
“South‑Central US Bakes as Another Heat Dome Locks In Late Summer Extremes…
“North Texas set a new heat record for the month of September.
“I’ve noted before that September is increasingly becoming a full-fledged summer month, regularly running warmer than Junes from earlier in the historical record.
“Drenching rains bring flash flooding across coastal Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.
“US ends limits on coal and gas plant emissions, removing key tool to battle climate crisis.
“Kipnuk prepares for strong Bering Sea storm surge, nearly one year since Typhoon Halong remnants washed away homes [Alaska].
“Pfas companies are launching a “tidal wave” of forever chemicals production to meet demand from the AI industry, a campaign organisation has warned.
“We should be more scared of climate change destroying humanity than AI.