I do apologise to anyone who was foxed by the incorrect month in the headline; now fixed. Had a senior moment.
“BREAKING… The Earth’s Energy Imbalance from NASA satellite data reached 1.97 W/m² (12-month mean)! I called this the most important graph in the world. This helps to explain all the records currently being broken around the word!
“Two years ago NASA and NOAA published a paper (Norman Loeb et al. 2021) that the rate of global heat uptake had doubled since 2005 up to 2019… They estimated that the Earth’s Energy Imbalance would decrease with La Niña and a negative PDO. The opposite happened.
“In our preprint paper ‘Global warming in the pipeline’ (lead by and co-authored by Norman Loeb) we write that this recent increase can likely be attributed to the decrease in sulphur emissions from global shipping [as far as I can tell, as a layman, this is certainly an issue but the extent/apparent rapidity of the impact are still somewhat contentious].
“But I didn’t expect we would already touch 2 W/m² (12 month mean June 2022-May 2023) by now. This helps to explain all these records being broken simultaneously. This is a clear indication of more heat in the (surface) of the Earth system.”
“Ocean temperatures are off the charts. Here’s where they’re highest.
“The Earth’s oceans have never been warmer… Marine heat waves are affecting about 44 percent of the global ocean, whereas only 10 percent is typical… Baffled scientists are unsure what exactly has caused the rapid spike in ocean temperatures first detected in March.”
“This month is the planet’s hottest on record by far – and hottest in around 120,000 years, scientists say.
“As vast swaths of three continents bake under blistering temperatures and the oceans heat to unprecedented levels, scientists from two global climate authorities are reporting before July has even ended that this month will be the planet’s hottest on record by far.”
“It is a summer of extremes. Burning temperatures followed by raging fires. Wild storms and torrential rain. And a run of broken climate records… UN chief Antonio Gueterres has warned the world has now entered an era of “global boiling”.”
“Meltwater from Antarctic Glaciers Is Slowing Deep-Ocean Currents…
“…diminishing glaciers in West Antarctica—primarily the Amundsen Sea—are freshening the shelf waters in the Ross Sea and slowing the production of bottom water, according to research led by Kathy Gunn, a physical oceanographer at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation in Hobart, Tasmania.”
“Even the coldest of Svalbard fjords show effects of climate change….
“A recent study led by PhD student Èric Jordà-Molina from Nord University suggests that warming impacts are being felt even in the far north of Svalbard. Results indicate that marine heatwaves are at least partially responsible for periodic mortality events in seafloor communities.”
“Landslides and uncertainty: As Nunavik’s permafrost thaws, locals and researchers focus on adaptation…
“”Cameron says those changing temperatures, causing winters to be shorter and summers longer in Nunavik, is also thawing the permafrost… Due to the thaw, Cameron says the community has experienced two landslides just this year.”
“Canadian wildfires produce catastrophic carbon emissions this year.
“… the greenhouse gas emissions from these fires are equivalent to about 1.11 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Additionally, about 1/8 of these wildfires occurred in permafrost areas, promoting the release of methane stored in the permafrost… wildfires also release air pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, organic aerosols, and black carbon.”
“‘They will eat anything’: Grasshoppers and heat continue to deteriorate Saskatchewan crops…
“According to the crop report released Thursday, topsoil moisture in hay and pasture lands as well as croplands continues to decrease. “Strong winds, drought stress, hail, extreme heat, grasshoppers and gophers took their toll on some crops this past week,” read the report.”
“…a saguaro can appear “fairly normal” or feel somewhat squishy before it suddenly collapses and reveals it has been rotting from the inside out due to heat-related stress… McCue said since 2020, when record temperatures caused stress in many of the saguaros, she and her team have seen more of the garden’s cactuses die.”
“Not much else needs to be said re: Phoenix heat, but it boggles my mind that America’s hottest major city will obliterate its previous record hottest month by almost 4˚F. In the realm of monthly mean temperatures, that’s truly incredible.”
“Florida has some of the most amazing rain contrasts.
“After their wettest July day on record Thursday, & the (potential state 24-hour record) rain event from mid-April, it’s Ft. Lauderdale’s wettest year-to-date. Just 175 mi. away, it’s Sarasota’s driest year-to-date.”
“A drought alert for receding Lake Titicaca has Indigenous communities worried for their future.
A 70-year-old man’s feet sink into the soil as he passes abandoned boats where there used to be the water of Lake Titicaca. The highest navigable lake in the world has receded to what Bolivian authorities say are critically low levels due to a persistent drought.”
“Rhine water levels plummet after record temperature across Europe.
“Water levels on the Rhine have fallen to 1.6m (164cm) this week after record heatwaves across Europe have caused levels to plummet, resulting in a restriction in navigation for cargo vessels attempting to use the vital waterway. This is far below the 2.1m mark when the Rhine officially enters “low-water” status…”
“Southern Europe and north Africa count heavy cost of wildfires.
“After more than a week of fierce wildfires, once again southern Europe is counting the heavy costs to livelihoods and its environment, as the extreme heat recedes and temperatures drop by up to 10C.”
“New Heatwave with Up to 47 Degree [116.6F] Temperature to Hit Several Provinces Across Morocco.
“High temperatures between 44 and 46 degrees will hit southern provinces including Tata, Zagoura and Errachidia, while Assa Zag, Es-Semara, Boujdour, Oued Eddahab and Aousserd are set to experience heatwaves between 45 and 47 degrees from Sunday to Tuesday.”
“Today in Algeria brutal heat with 49.6C [121.3F] at Hassi Messaoud, 49.5C at Adrar, 49.1C at Ouargla and Timimoun. All time records: 45.8C Bechar 809m asl; 39.5C Midelt (Morocco) 1508m asl… It will get even worse next days.”
“Istanbul sees record heat of 23 years as country fights wildfires.
“Istanbul has recorded the highest temperatures in 23 years, with 44.1 degrees [111.4F] on July 26, as the firefighting crews continue to battle massive wildfires in several parts of the country, including a four-day-long one in the southern province of Antalya’s Kemer district.”
“Iraq facing severe droughts as Turkey cuts off rivers Tigris, Euphrates.
“The ground water in Syria and Iraq has been unable to replenish itself in recent years due to several dry winters and Turkey’s dozens of dams on the Tigris and the Euphrates reducing flow into the southern countries.”
“Syria fishermen despair at water loss, river pollution.
“Tabqa Dam – Around war-torn Syria’s biggest freshwater dam reservoir, fishermen say their catch is now a fraction of what it used to be as environmental pressures have decimated aquatic life… The flow of the Euphrates — one of the region’s mighty streams, where the world’s earliest civilisations flourished — has been further impacted by upstream dams in Turkey.”
“Wildfires break out in the woodlands of Latakia province in Syria.
“Firefighters have been working to put out major wildfires that broke out in the woods of Latakia in northern Syria. Footage published on Wednesday showed huge flames taking over the woodlands in the town of Mashquita and large plumes of smoke rising from a distance.”
“Telangana [India] records highest ever rainfall in a single day as state battles floods.
“Telangana recorded the highest-ever rainfall in a single day with Mulugu district recording 649.8 mm [25.6 inches] by 8am on Thursday… the earlier record was 517.5 mm at Wajedu in the same district of Mulugu on July 2, 2014.”
“Philippines: 26 people killed after overloaded ferry capsizes amid Typhoon Doksuri winds.
“Officials said it remained unclear how many people were aboard the M/B Princess Aya, which capsized on Thursday in Laguna de Bay in Rizal province, east of Manila. The boat overturned just 46 metres from shore…”
“Just now, the center of Typhoon Dusurui passed the Haixia No. 2 buoy in the Taiwan Strait, and recorded a 10-minute sustained wind speed of 49m/s, gust of 61.3m/s, and minimum air pressure of 930.9hpa.
“This is the lowest air pressure record in the history of the Taiwan Strait!”
“Hong Kong and Macau are having the worst heat wave in their history: Minimum temperatures up to 32.2C [90F] at Etar de Macau and 31.7C at Kai Tak in Hong Kong.
“Maximum temperatures up to 38.8C in Hong Kong and 38.0C in Macau. Nearly 40C in Vietnam as well.”
““Double” Heat Wave in China: both the North and South are with record hot conditions.
“Min. temperatures again >31C in Macau and max. 39C in Southern China with stifling humidity. In Xinjiang near 50C again and all time record broken at Naomahou Lake 45.4C [113.7F].”
“Heat records were broken mainly in western Japan on Thursday. Tokyo, meanwhile, reached 36.9C/98F, once again renewing the record for the highest number of temperatures above 35C/95F in July.
“Normally, El Nino brings a cooler summer to Japan, but this year is unusual.”
“Climate change-driven extreme weather events impacting HIV control in Asia Pacific.
“”Climate change and related disasters as upstream factors can affect all aspects of HIV, primarily leading to the increased vulnerability to HIV and decreasing coping ability,” Izumi said. While the overall trend of HIV infections has declined, in some countries such as the Philippines, new infections are rising.”
“Dengue is breaking records in the Americas — what’s behind the surge?
“…rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns might help to explain the trend, researchers say. Dengue’s main vector, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, thrives at temperatures around 30 °C and in humid conditions, which have become more frequent in the past few years as a result of record heat and extreme weather events.”
“Dangerous fungus is becoming more prevalent. Scientists believe climate change could be to blame…
“Candida auris is a globally emerging public health threat that can cause severe illness, including bloodstream, wound and respiratory infections. Its mortality rate has been estimated at 30% to 60%, and it’s a particular risk in healthcare settings for people already with serious medical problems.”
“Climate change and malaria: predictions becoming reality. The impact of climate change on malaria is becoming increasingly evident, from spreading vectors to increased transmission after floods. Udani Samarasekera reports.”
“Extreme heat and pollution can double the risk of a heart attack…
““We’re seeing record-breaking heat after record-breaking heat year after year,” said Catharina Guidice, an emergency medicine physician. “It’s getting hotter, lasting longer and happening more frequently. Heat makes cardiovascular disease worse. Pollution makes it worse. The two together are worse than each one independently.””
“G20 environment meeting ends without agreement on climate crisis.
“No consensus reached on key points, including curbing emissions and scaling up renewable energy, despite record temperatures and wildfires across the globe… The failure to reach an agreement comes just a week after the G20, a bloc made up of 19 countries and the EU, disagreed on phasing down fossil fuels.”
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an “Economic” thread.
If you found value in this content, please help me continue this work by becoming a patron of my work via Patreon.And if you are already a subscriber or have donated – thank you! It is an enormous help as the cost-of-living crisis ratchets up here in the UK.
“Giant Italy Hail Sets European Record Twice In Five Days… Severe thunderstorms in Europe appeared to set a continental hail record twice in the span of five days in Italy…
“One massive oblong hailstone recovered Monday night in Azzano Decimo, about 35 miles northeast of Venice, Italy, was estimated to be 19 centimeters – almost 7.5 inches – long.
“According to the European Severe Storms Laboratory (ESSL), this was the largest diameter hailstone of record anywhere in Europe. Incredibly, that European hail record only stood for five days prior to Monday…”
“Italy readies special furlough scheme to save workers from heatwave.
“Italy is preparing special measures to help construction and agricultural firms keep staff at home during an intense summer heatwave, government officials and trade unionists said on Tuesday. Giorgia Meloni’s cabinet will probably discuss the furlough scheme at a meeting on Wednesday…”
“Swiss bird centre saves winged victims of extreme heat.
“Sparrows and swifts have arrived in droves at a Swiss centre treating distressed birds after soaring temperatures caused them to dehydrate, with chicks even leaping from their nests in a desperate attempt to evade the blistering heat.”
“German forests face threat from bark beetles following years of drought.
“The dense, green woodlands of Germany that gave rise to the “Grimms’ Fairy Tales” are turning gray and dying. Forest still covers a third of the country, but 80% of all trees are sick.Weakened by years of drought, they now face another onslaught – bark beetles.”
“‘The heat is relentless’: Scorching temperatures bring misery to daily life in Spain.
“A spate of heat waves stretching across southern Europe has pushed temperatures in parts of Spain, Greece, Italy and Albania to record levels in recent weeks. Researchers say the climate emergency is strongly increasing both the likelihood and intensity of the extreme weather conditions.”
“‘Like a blowtorch’: Mediterranean on fire as blazes spread across nine countries.
“Wildfires were burning in at least nine countries across the Mediterranean on Tuesday as blazes spread in Croatia, Italy and Portugal, with thousands of firefighters in Europe and north Africa working to contain flames stoked by high temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds.”
“On Tuesday, Kuçovë in west-central Albania soared to 111.2 degrees Fahrenheit (44C), the country’s highest temperature on record if confirmed. This follows the mercury hitting 118.4 degrees (48C) Monday on Sardinia…”
“The Mediterranean Sea hit its highest temperature ever recorded on Monday amid back-to-back extreme heatwaves buffeting Europe.
“The average Sea Surface Temperature (SST) for the Mediterranean was 28.4C (83.1F) on Monday, the European Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) confirmed. The previous record was set on 23 August, 2003 at 28.25C (82.85F).”
“Another day of brutal heat in the Mediterranean: Tunisia has been living a hell for weeks, today all time records smashed on the coast.
“49.1C Gabes [120.4F]; 48.8C Enfidha; 48.3C Monastir; In Italy record at Lamezia with 42.7C; Yesterday Malta tied its July national record with 42.7C.”
“Drought-hit N.Africa turns to purified sea and wastewater…
“Across the Maghreb region, which takes in parts of the Sahara and is plagued by scorching summer heat, countries are banking on new desalination plants and facilities that can purify wastewater for farming.”
“At least 150 killed in Pakistan’s monsoon rains, flooding…
“Around 2,000 people were killed by catastrophic floods and the subsequent outbreak of diseases in Pakistan in 2022, when a third of the country was submerged, affecting 33 million people. Pakistan is responsible for less than one per cent of global carbon emissions but is among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable nations.”
“Mumbai Records Its Wettest July Ever With 1557.8mm [61.3 inches] Rainfall.
“After intense showers throughout the day, Mumbai registered its wettest July ever on Wednesday with the month… The previous wettest July on record was in 2020 when 1,502 mm rainfall was logged by the IMD’s Santacruz observatory (representative of Mumbai’s suburbs).”
“Heat wave in Southern China – Hong Kong and Macau. Today Sheng Shui in Hong Kong with 38.8C [100.8F] was just 0.2C from the highest temperature ever recorded in the territory.
“Local minimum temperatures were above 30C with stifling humidity. Map is courtesy of HK Observatory.”
“A powerful typhoon brought widespread flooding and landslides to the Philippines on Wednesday, killing at least five people, authorities in the country said.
“Typhoon Doksuri, known as Egay in the Philippines, has caused flooding across five regions and more than a dozen rain-induced landslides, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.”
“Drought-hit Panama Canal restricts daily crossings in water-saving move.
“The Panama Canal will extend restrictions on ships’ maximum depth, it said on Tuesday, and it has limited average crossings at one of the world’s busiest trade passages to just 32 ships a day as a prolonged drought continues. The Panama Canal Authority will maintain a depth limit of 44 feet, or 13.41 meters, for neo-Panamax container ships.”
“Due to the record warm sea surface temperatures, the Caribbean keeps beating records all the time.
“In Cuba monthly records fell again: 36.7 [98.1F] Pinar del Rio; 36.9 Jaguey Grande; 37.2 Colon… Pinar del Rio this year has broken the monthly records of all the 7 months so far. Impressive.”
“As Florida ocean temperatures soar, a race to salvage imperiled corals…
“Already, scientists have reported widespread coral bleaching along parts of the roughly 360-mile-long reef, the third largest on the planet. If the heat drags on, they say, a massive coral die-off could follow, with grave consequences for fish and other ocean organisms that depend on the reefs, tourism, commercial fishing and part of the state’s very identity.”
“As Texas swelters, crops and cattle are increasingly at risk.
“…as the entire state sees blazing temperatures that only keep climbing, farmers are questioning if the whiplash-inducing weather will lead to another busted year… The heat has been unrelenting across the state. Last month, there were an unusually high number of days when temperatures were above 100 degrees. This month, El Paso has set seven new daily heat records and is on pace for its warmest month ever on record.”
“This July 2023 in Phoenix will be one of the most anomalous in any US station, with a heat wave lasting from the 1st to the last day of the month. 119F [48.3C] and 118F last two days after a Tmin of 96F. Further South, Mexicali in Mexico 51.1C/124F, 0.9C from Mexican national record high.”
“Lightning strikes spark new wave of Interior Alaska wildfires.
“Thousands of lightning strikes around Alaska’s eastern Interior sparked new wildfires Monday… The new fires come as Interior and Southcentral Alaska skies see smoke from wildfires burning in Canada’s Yukon Territory.”
“Live reporting from a climate scientist in the trenches of Alaska.
“Watch me explore how permafrost thaw is cutting new channels into now unstable soil, eroding ancient biomass that was once locked away in frozen ground… This is ancient carbon being thawed, eroded, and transported from the safety of frozen ground.”
“Yesterday all time high at Natashquan with 29.0C [84.2F]. Data since 1914. The other station at the airport (CMNT) reached 29.3C; beating the 29.1C of July 21, 2018. Warm also in St. Pierre et Miquelon with 23C and 22C of dew point, very rare there.”
“‘1 in 1,000-year event’: Halifax officials assess damage after devastating floods.
“Erica Fleck, director of Emergency Management for the city, said… “We do modelling for the average one-in-10-year storms, we planned for one-in-100 for how we respond, but this one was a one-in-1,000-year event as we ran the modelling … because of the water levels and the issues that we’ve seen.””
“The average sea surface temperature in the North Atlantic has now reached as hot as its ever been in recorded history… a full month before the climatological peak.
“Based on the 1991-2020 climatology, the current temperature has 1-in-41,000-year odds of happening (0.0025%).”
“Study: Key Atlantic Ocean circulation could shut down by mid-century.
“Part of a “global conveyor belt” that moves water around the world, the AMOC helps to regulate everything from the rate of sea level rise on the East Coast to Europe’s average temperatures… Michael Mann, a climate scientist… finds its conclusions plausible. “I think the authors in this case are on to something real,” he told Axios via email.”
“Polar Vortex And Polar Jet Stream Are Facing An Earth-Changing Upset.
“Polar vortexes play a massive role in controlling our fate, at least in terms of the bitterly cold weather we face in the winter months. As global temperatures continue to creep up, we’re playing an increasingly dangerous game that could seriously upset this grand force of nature – the consequences of which are not totally known.”
“The start of spring in the Arctic is increasingly unpredictable.
“Instead of coming earlier and earlier as the climate warms, the onset of spring in the Arctic is now extremely variable from year to year, bringing challenges to wildlife. The timing of spring in the Arctic has become more and more erratic…”
Commenter Curtis Bush was enquiring about macro-climate sources the other day. I happened upon this round-up; seems somewhat relevant:
“A List Of US, Europe, Global Heat Records Smashed This Summer… What follows is a sampling of some of the most eye-popping, noteworthy heat records we’ve seen in recent weeks, by location.”
“Rising temperatures are “likely to be beneficial” for Britain as more people die of cold than heat in this country, Lord Frost has said.
“The Tory former minister and Brexit negotiator said he is “sceptical” about mitigating the impacts of climate change, urging the Government to “move away” from “high-cost” mitigation efforts.”
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.
If you found value in this content, please help me continue this work by becoming a patron of my work via Patreon. And if you are already a subscriber or have donated – thank you! It is an enormous help as the cost-of-living crisis ratchets up here in the UK.
A quick note before the round-up: WordPress is keeping me on my toes with its idiosyncratic approach to processing comments.
It clears some comments immediately. Meanwhile, it is, for reasons unknown, deeply suspicious of certain commenters and requests that I approve most of their comments before posting them, which means that they can sit in moderation for hours if I’ve gone to bed.
It will also, I’ve recently realised, automatically consign comments to the spam-folder if a commenter has attempted to repost whilst the first comment is still being processed. So please be patient and don’t take any of this personally.
“‘No one wants to be right about this’: climate scientists’ horror and exasperation as global predictions play out…
“…if I’m honest, I am stunned by the ferocity of the impacts we are currently experiencing. I am really dreading the devastation I know this El Niño will bring.”
“For those following the play-by-play, this is now day 21 of the global heatwave, with ongoing global 2-meter temperatures continuing to break the previous modern-day record set in 2022.“
“This year’s North Atlantic heatwave may be catastrophic for fish stocks people rely on for food and livelihoods…
“The ocean’s surface temperature has been soaring above the previous record since early March with highs as much as 5C above the long-term average, classified as “beyond extreme” by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – its highest category.”
“Ireland is set to experience the wettest July on record after 23 days of non-stop rain – and the forecast is more of the same.
“There is still not the slightest sign of summer in what would normally be one of warmest and driest months of the year and the medium range forecast offers little hope of any sunshine.”
“The Czech Republic, with drought covering almost its entire territory, is the region’s worst affected. Yet the whole of Central Europe is blighted by drought and that situation is unlikely to improve despite predicted higher rainfall in the future.”
“Switzerland: storm kills one and injures some 15 people.
“At least one man has died in Switzerland after a violent storm swept through the town of La Chaux-de-Fonds in the northwest of the country on Monday… According to the Swiss weather service, it was “a probable tornado associated with a rapidly developing thunderstorm cell along the Jura” that hit the Swiss town…” https://www.euronews.com/2023/07/25/switzerland-storm-kills-one-and-injures-some-15-people
“Hail battered a Delta Air Lines passenger jet bound for New York shortly after taking off from Milan on Monday, forcing it to divert safely to Rome’s main airport, Italian media and the airline said.
“The aircraft sustained damage to its nose and on the fuselage near the wings, Italian media said.”
“Historic heat wave: New European heat record today for July with 48.2C [118.8F] at Jerzu and Lotzorai in Sardinia.
“All time records smashed in Italy: 47.0 Palermo Observatory; 43.0 Ustica Island; 46.8 Decimomannu; 44.6 Cagliari; 47.4 Olbia; 47 Capo San Lorenzo; 45.0 Capo Bellavista.”
“Greece ‘at war with fire’ amid chaotic evacuation of tourists from Rhodes.
“The battle to contain wildfires across Greece continued for a seventh straight day as firefighters struggled to extinguish flames amid scenes of pandemonium prompted by the nation’s biggest ever evacuation of tourists on inferno-stricken Rhodes.”
“Morocco calls for Australian livestock shipments as drought impacts food supply.
“A live sheep exporter says it is unlikely Australia will be able to help drought-ravaged Morocco with a request for shipments of livestock. As federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt continues with plans to ban the maritime live export of sheep by sea, officials have received a request from the North African country, which suffered one of its worst droughts in decades last year.”
“Record heat in Algeria and Tunisia, where it’s hard to find a word to describe what they are living
“Today the capital Algiers pulverized its all time high again with a monster 48.7C [119.7F].Extreme heat also 47.8C Tizi Ouzou and 48.1C Chlef. In Tunisia 49.0C at Kairouan, July record.”
“In drought-stricken Tunisia, people travel long distances to collect water.
“Locals in the Sejnane region of Tunisia’s northern city of Bizerte head out early in the morning to collect water for drinking and irrigation. The region’s residents are forced to travel long distances under difficult conditions as a result of the extreme rise in temperatures.”
“Thirty-four people were killed and dozens injured in wildfires that broke out across Algeria on Sunday and Monday, the Algerian Interior Ministry said.
“Authorities said on Monday that 97 fires were burning, affecting forests and agricultural areas in 16 governorates on the country’s eastern coast.”
“The Arabian Peninsula’s poorest country has been hit by six cyclones in the past six years, up from four in the preceding 25 years, according to a May report by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Norwegian Red Cross.”
“The heat is still fierce in Iran at record levels since June.
“While low elevated towns rise above 50C [122F], in the highlands widespread 40C even above 1500m asl. 42.9C in the city of Esfahan (1550m asl) yesterday, just 0.1C from its all time record.”
“Dozens killed as flash floods hit Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“At least 31 people have been killed and dozens of others are missing after heavy flooding from seasonal rains in Afghanistan, as 13 people died due to heavy rains and landslides in neighbouring Pakistan.”
“Hundreds of rescuers have recovered 27 dead bodies as they pushed on with a fourth day of searching for many people still missing after heavy monsoon rains triggered a massive landslide in a village in western India, according to an official.
“Seventy-eight people are still unaccounted for since the landslide hit Irshalwadi village on Wednesday night…”
“1 dead in flash flood as heavy rain batters Gujarat; prohibitory orders issued in Junagadh.
“At least one person died in a flash flood in Junagadh even as Navsari and Junagadh talukas in Gujarat were inundated following heavy rainfall of 306 mm [12 inches] and 241 mm [9.5 inches], respectively, in a span of 24 hours since Saturday morning.”
“Heavy rains caused flooding and a landslide in eastern China [Hangzhou, Zhejiang], leaving at least five people dead and three missing while over 1,500 were evacuated, state media reported Sunday…
“The rainfall exceeded 110mm in one hour [4.3 inches] and 300mm [11.8 inches] in 24 hours.”
“Torrential rain to continue battering Korea on Monday…
“Accumulated precipitation across the country this year has been the highest since 1973, the KMA said Sunday. Between June 25 and July 22, it recorded 597.5 millimeters this year. The average figure during the same period since 1973 is 281.8.”
“Daytime highs have surpassed 35℃ (95F) seven times so far this month in Tokyo. This ties the July record set in 2001. JMA is predicting temperatures above 35℃ every day until the end of July, which means six more days!”
“The fan jacket: the Japanese innovation keeping workers cool in extreme heat…
“As rising temperatures have made the traditionally hot and sticky Japanese summer months more severe, those toiling outside in particular are turning to the fan-jakketo to make their workdays cooler and safer.”
“Storm Doksuri becomes a super typhoon as it moves toward the Philippines.
“A powerful storm sweeping across the Pacific Ocean in the direction of the Philippines has intensified into a super typhoon, with forecasters warning it could hit the northern part of the country before hitting mainland China later this week.”
“Around 2,000 penguins wash up dead on Uruguay coast.
“Around 2,000 penguins have appeared dead on the coast of eastern Uruguay in the last 10 days, and the cause, which does not appear to be avian influenza, remains a mystery, authorities said… The Magellanic penguins, mostly juveniles, died in the Atlantic Ocean…”
“Summer day in Uruguay with daytime temperatures up to 29C [84.2F] but above all, the minimum temperatures were incredible (16C/23C), like a mid summer night, in many cases unprecedented for July.
“Tropical nights were recorded in over half of the country.”
“Climate change is pushing young people in Honduras to leave farming and migrate…
“That’s apparent in the sudden devastation caused by two hurricanes that struck the country in late 2020, and also in the slow-moving catastrophe of erratic rainfall and drought that are undermining agriculture — a major blow for a country that historically relies on farming for subsistence.”
“Amid a historic heatwave and months of drought, Mexico’s government has launched the latest phase of a cloud seeding project it hopes will increase rainfall.
“The project, which began in July, involves planes flying into clouds to release silver iodide particles which then, in theory, will attract additional water droplets and increase rain or snowfall.”
“This Unprecedented heat in the Caribbean is never ending: Yesterday historic day in the Cayman Islands with 35.3C [95.5F] hottest day in climatic history!
“Today tremendous 38.0C at Puerto Plata in Dominican Republic and all time high destroyed at Guira de Melena in Cuba with 37.2C.”
“As reported by WeatherProf, Manatee Bay, FL, recorded an astonishing sea surface temperature (SST) of 101.1°F (38.4°C) at a depth of 5′ today, and also hit 100.2°F (37.9°C) yesterday — common hot tub temperatures!
“Crazy hot night again in Badwater Basin, Death Valley, California, USA:
“Temperature was at 120F/49C at midnight local time! (world record again), before dropping to 110F at dawn but it further dropped to 106F, thus missing the world record of highest minimum temperature.”
“Extreme heat forces US airlines to limit passengers and fuel loads…
“High temperatures reduce the performance of engines and the lift airplanes’ wings are able to produce, which is leading Las Vegas-based Allegiant Airlines to warn that they will delay flights if there is a threat to passenger safety.”
“Drought emergency declared in 12 Washington State counties after early snowmelt, warm weather.
“Facing dry wells, water restrictions and risks to fish hatcheries and salmon migration, state officials declared a drought emergency Monday for watersheds spanning a dozen Washington counties.”
“Lake Champlain sets new record July water levels as runoff pours in from rivers…
“Two weeks after historic rainfall in Vermont and New York, the impacts are still being felt in the region’s largest lake… As another warm summer week arrives, water levels aren’t the only concern on the lakeshore… Many Burlington beaches have experienced closures related to cyanobacteria blooms.”
“All-time heat record broken in Maine, with more on the way soon.
“For 25 consecutive days, the low temperature in the Portland area has been 60 degrees or more. That’s the first time that has happened since record-keeping began in 1940. Talk about uncomfortable sleeping weather.”
“‘Biblical proportions’: 3 months’ worth of rainfall floods Nova Scotia, forcing evacuations as crews search for missing people…
“An estimated 250 millimeters [9.8 inches] of rain battered the province in one day, Houston said. “We got three months’ worth of rain in less than 24 hours,” he said. “It came fast and it came furious.”
“Ocean off Newfoundland currently has greatest temperature increase in North America, says researcher.
“”The temperature is at record high, never seen before. Like, way beyond natural fluctuation.… For a climate scientist it’s quite fascinating, but a bit worrisome as well,” Frederic Cyr said Friday… “And yeah, right now the Grand Banks are the warmest spot in the North Atlantic.… It’s more than 5C on the Grand Bank warmer than normal.”
“Antarctic sea ice extent is the headline for me this morning. There was actually a net *decrease* in ice extent day over day, and it’s mid-winter there, peak freeze season.
“Extent is now 6.4 standard deviations below the 1991-2020 mean.”
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.
If you found value in this content, please help me continue this work by becoming a patron of my work via Patreon. And if you are already a subscriber or have donated – thank you! It is an enormous help as the cost-of-living crisis ratchets up here in the UK.
“Leading Nasa climate expert says July likely to be hottest month on record.
““July will likely be Earth’s hottest month in hundreds if not thousands of years,” Gavin Schmidt, the director of Nasa’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, told reporters on Thursday, as a persistent heatwave baked swaths of the US south.”
“Climate records tumble, leaving Earth in uncharted territory – scientists.
“…scientists already fear some worst-case scenarios are unfolding. “I’m not aware of a similar period when all parts of the climate system were in record-breaking or abnormal territory,” Thomas Smith, an environmental geographer at London School of Economics, says.”
“When will the jet stream move?How the stagnant winds are causing global heatwaves and what will happen next…
“Cathryn Birch, professor of meteorology and climate at University of Leeds, told the Independent the jet stream is “stuck in a stationary wavey pattern” and is “not forecast to change before the end of the month, possibly until mid-August.””
“Rampant heatwaves threaten food security of entire planet, scientists warn…
““Our food system is global,” said John Marsham, professor of atmospheric science at the University of Leeds. “There are growing risks of simultaneous major crop losses in different regions in the world, which will really affect food availability and prices.”
“Food prices climbing as record temperatures hit Europe…
“Food and drink supplies from wheat to milk and olive oil are being affected by extreme heat and drought across the European continent, as temperatures soared to over 40C in Italy, Greece and Spain. Commodity analyst Mintec warned that Spain – the world’s biggest olive grower which generates around half of global supplies – may run out of olive oil stock…”
“Cereal production in southern Europe is expected to fall by up to 60% on last year in the wake of the Charon heatwave currently gripping the continent.
“The hot weather created by the Charon anticyclone that has moved into Europe from Africa has prompted serious concerns over the quality and size of harvests this year.”
“After further verification, climatologist chief of ARPAS confirms that the 47.7C [117.9F] recorded yesterday in the Rete Unita of Donori is the 2nd hottest day in Sardinia history (and 2nd highest in Italy in July) after the 48.0C of 23 July 2009 at Perfugas and Santa Maria Coghinas.”
“Europe braces for yet another heatwave as Greek PM warns ‘hard times are clearly not over yet’…
“Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned on Thursday that “the hard times are clearly not over yet,” in remarks quoted by Sky News. “We are facing another heat wave and a possible strengthening of the winds … absolute vigilance and absolute readiness are required over the next few days,” he added.”
“Wildfires in Greece burn for fifth day as another heatwave hits…
“Firefighters, backed by air water bombers and reinforcements by several countries, including Cyprus, France, Israel and Italy, attempted to control the fire that broke out in the wider Athens area on Monday, gutting houses and forcing evacuations.”
“A new report has revealed that Italy endured its hottest and driest year on record in 2022.
“The report by the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) and the National System for Environmental Protection said that the average temperature was over one degree Celsius above the level of 2021 and 0.58° C higher than the previous record…”
“Violent thunderstorms have again passed over northern Italy. After hail measuring 12 cm [4.7 inches] in diameter fell in Veneto on Thursday, Lombardy was hit by bad weather on Friday, with heavy hailstones and a tornado passing through the outskirts of Milan.”
“Lightning strikes twice as rescuers of Swiss victims are also hit.
“Lightning never strikes twice, until it does: a police officer and helicopter pilot rushing to help two people injured in a lightning strike on Friday were themselves also hit, Swiss authorities said.”
“Tunisia shuts border post with Algeria due to forest fires.
“Tunisian authorities temporarily closed Melloula post on the north-western border with Algeria on Wednesday evening, due to the spread of two fires that broke out in the nearby forest, TAP quoted Samir Kouka, the governor of the northwestern province of Jendouba, as saying.”
“Top 10 African countries facing record-breaking heat waves in 2023…
“Authorities report a surge in heat-related deaths as temperatures soar above 40°C (104°F) in many regions, with Africa being notably affected due to its equatorial regions experiencing some of the highest temperatures on the planet. WiseVoter Institute Reveals the Hottest African Countries in 2023.”
“Northern hemisphere extratropical temperature records & heatwaves are making global news right now (Europe, China, Canada). But check out the tropics…
“Yet another substantial anomalous departure from the norm for this time of year… It’s a small anomaly compared to the polar regions, but the tropics have a far less dynamic temperature range. Yet almost the entirety of tropical Africa, Mexico & most of Borneo are 2-6°C warmer than usual in places that are already hot & humid.”
“After having its hottest June on record, the record heat in Colombia is continuing this July.
“Temperatures rose above 40C [104F] in the past day in the Cesar department with the hot air reaching the coastal areas. The tourist city of Cartagena with 38.0C had its hottest July day on record.”
“Heatwave emergency [Jamaica]… Government treating unusually high temperatures and prolonged drought as a disaster, says McKenzie…
“”This is something that I think Jamaicans need to pay close attention to. If we look at what is happening in other countries, there is cause for us to be concerned and to treat the present situation as a disaster.””
“More records beaten in the Caribbeans these days include: 20-21 July:
“94F/34.4C Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands July record tied for US Virgin Islands; Yesterday: 34.9C Canefield, Dominica: National Monthly record beaten… Cayman Islands are setting records nearly every day.”
“Florida Keys coral reefs are already bleaching as water temperatures hit record highs, scientists say…
“The corals should be vibrant and colorful this time of year, but are swiftly going white, said Katey Lesneski, research and monitoring coordinator for Mission: Iconic Reefs, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration launched to protect Florida coral reefs.”
“Inside the most extreme heat wave the Southern U.S. has faced…
“In the Lower 48 states, global warming has manifested itself in a historically intense and prolonged heat wave, stretching from California’s interior to South Florida. The zone from Arizona to Texas has sat at the center, with record-shattering heat enduring for at least three weeks and showing little sign of relenting.”
“The stifling heat wave that has affected large parts of the U.S. for more than a month will not loosen its grip anytime soon, forecasters warn.
“The longer the extreme heat lasts, the greater the economic and human health effects will be. In addition, the high temperatures are expected to contribute to drought conditions in Texas and the Southwest.”
“Hail storm leaves behind damage, insurance woes for western Wisconsin town…
“”These massive golf ball-sized hail started slamming into the windows and signs, destroying everything,” described William Fischer of Shell Lake, Wisconsin. “The wind was going so fast you could hardly see down the street, it was crazy,” added Lily Edlin.”
“BC [Canada] is facing severe drought conditions more typical of the end of summer as thousands of firefighters battle to suppress flames in the worst fire season on record.
“The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness held a news conference Thursday illustrating the dire situation of drought in BC.”
“Prairie farmers already struggling with drought now dealing with damaging grasshoppers.
“Producers in some parts of southern Saskatchewan are already struggling with drought this summer. Now grasshoppers can once again be added to the list of woes. The situation is so severe south of Saskatoon that the RM of Dundurn has declared an agricultural disaster.”
“Utqiaġvik, Alaska, the most northerly community in Alaska, tied their warmest day on record yesterday (high plus low divided by 2). They have 102 years of data records.“
“…moderate, natural warming led to large-scale melting and sea level rise of more than 1.4 meters (4.6 feet)… “When you look at what nature did in the past, as geoscientists, that’s our best clue to the future,” said Paul Bierman, a scientist at the University of Vermont and a lead author of the study. What it indicates is “frightening,” he told CNN.”
“Record-high temperatures in Newfoundland and Labrdor should ‘sound alarm bells’ for other climate impacts, says climatologist.
“Memorial University climatologist Joel Finnis told CBC News Thursday this week’s hot weather, which broke humidex records in parts of the island, is part of a shift that has been noticed over the last couple of years.”
“Yesterday’s North Atlantic sea surface temperature anomaly is Code UFB!
“A record 1.50°C (4.45σ) above the 1991-2020 mean, the most over average of any day measured this year. And the running joke is getting old, but yes, I will probably have to extend the y-axis again tomorrow.”
“Several Chinese cities including Shanghai and Beijing braced for flooding on Friday while inland regions baked in heat threatening to shrink the country’s biggest freshwater lake.
“Wild weather swings have gripped China since April, causing deaths, damaging infrastructure, wilting crops, and raising fears over its ability to cope with climate change.”
“At least four people, including three children, have lost their lives during record-breaking rainfall in Myanmar, said a report Thursday…
“The nation’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology on Wednesday recorded a historic first of 22.75 inches of rainfall, surpassing the previous record of 11.85 inches in July 2021.”
“Seven killed in Bhutan as floods wash away part of hydropower plant.
“At least seven people were killed and 16 others missing in Bhutan after flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains washed away a section of a small hydroelectric plant on Thursday, local media reported.”
“Twenty two people have died and more than hundred are still trapped after a massive landslide hit a village in the western Indian state of Maharashtra…
“Several states in India have had heavy rainfall over the past two weeks, triggering floods and landslides. India’s weather department has said the rainfall will continue over the next few days…”
“Glaciers are melting in Chitral [Pakistan] very quickly…
“Additional water from melting glaciers caused the Chitral river to overflow its banks on Friday.The floodwater inundated multiple houses in the Ayun valley. Locals appealed to the government for action, saying that the whole valley could be run over by water if nothing was done.”
“Why Is The Euphrates River Drying Up And What Does It Mean?
“Just as the Bible warned, the Euphrates River is drying up. However, unlike supernatural explanations like the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, there is a very real environmental phenomenon driving this problem: chronic droughts and climate change.”
And for those following the Mann vs. Hansen spat, this is a recent rebuttal from Hansen of Mann’s specious argument that the heating we are seeing is entirely consistent with predictions made decades ago and that there is currently no “spinning out of control”:
“…there are some misinterpretations that should be corrected.We did not say that the global temperature record to date shows an acceleration of the global warming rate. Quite the contrary, whenever we present the data we draw a straight line beginning in 1970, which shows that the warming rate has been linear… It takes little knowledge or courage for us or anyone to point out that the data are nearly linear from 1970 to 2022.
“The physics informs us that, as the data set becomes longer, it will show a post-2010 acceleration of global warming. The physics is discussed in the present version of Global warming in the pipeline.”
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an “Economic” thread.
If you found value in this content, please help me continue this work by becoming a patron of my work via Patreon. And if you are already a subscriber or have donated – thank you! It is an enormous help as the cost-of-living crisis ratchets up here in the UK.
“Is this extreme weather the ‘new normal?’ There’s no such thing, some scientists say.
““When I hear it, I get a bit crazy because it’s not really the new normal,” said Hannah Cloke, a climate scientist and professor at the University of Reading in the UK. “Until we stop pumping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere we have no idea what the future looks like.”
“She is one of many scientists who warn that, while this summer is very bad, it’s only just the beginning. As long as global temperature continues to rise, they said, the world should brace for escalating impacts.”
“Soaring sea surface temperatures in the north Atlantic and western Mediterranean are partly fuelling the current heatwave in Europe, scientists have warned.
“The temperature of the North Atlantic began rising above historical averages in March, reaching 1.3°C higher than the 1982-2011 mean on July 13, according to data from Copernicus.”
“Another historic day today with strong fohn in the Côte d’Azur of France and new all time record set at Cannes with 39.2C [102.6F]. More records fell , including the monthly record of Montpellier with 37.6C.”
“Malaga equals the all-time maximum temperature record with a scorching 44.2C [111.6F].
“According to data compiled by Spain’s state weather agency Aemet the thermometer located at the airport reached 44.2C, which equalled a record that had not been reached for more than 40 years. The last time was on 18 July 1978.”
“Rome registered a new record high temperature of 41.8 Celsius on Tuesday, a local weather service reported, as a heatwave beat down on much of southern Europe.
“The previous record of 40.7 C [107.2F], set in June 2022, was broken in several parts of the Italian capital on Tuesday…”
“EU Rushes Firefighters to Greece as Grueling Mediterranean Heat Wave Takes Toll.
“Fire planes and ground crews from several European countries are heading to Greece where wildfires have intensified as relentless heat wave conditions are keeping much of southern Europe above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).”
“Ferocious storm sees 1,000 hikers stranded on Austrian mountain in 100mph gusts.
“A powerful thunderstorm has left 1,200 hikers stranded on a mountain in Austria. The severe storm forced the stranded walkers on the Rohrberg mountain to seek shelter in mountain huts and restaurants.”
“A powerful storm sweeps Balkans region after days of heat, killing at least 5 people.
“A powerful storm hit the Balkans with strong winds and heavy rain Wednesday, killing at least five people in Croatia, Bosnia and Slovenia and injuring dozens, police and local media outlets said. The storm was the second in two days to sweep over the region…”
“Climate change takes its toll in Serbia as crops suffer after extreme heat follows flooding…
“The country has experienced “absolute extremes in terms of both drought and the amount of water that we’ve had,” Serbian farmer Dejan Ivanišević tells Euronews. “Believe me, I absolutely do not understand what is happening.””
“Pics: Torrential Rain Turns Moscow Into Venice. The Russian capital, Moscow, was hit by flash flooding on Tuesday…
“According to the Russian News Agency TASS, the damage caused by Tuesday’s torrential downpour in Moscow may amount to dozens of millions of rubles, President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sergey Katyrin said.”
“Torrential rains, high temperatures lead to heavy floods in Al Haouz region [Morocco].
“Residents of Moulay Brahim, in the province of Marrakech, sustained big damage as a result of the severe rains the region experienced on Tuesday. The commune of Moulay Brahim in the Al Haouz region saw a severe rainstorm that resulted in significant material losses as the powerful flood waters washed away a huge number of cars.”
“From Algeria to Syria, heatwaves scorch Middle East, North Africa…
“Temperatures in some parts of the MENA region are currently the highest in the world, with several countries breaking records… In Algeria, five states were listed as places with the highest temperatures in the world in recent days… some of those breaking records.”
“Residents have reported power cuts in several areas in Cairo this week, as temperatures have risen above 40 degrees during a heat wave that has affected southern Europe and North Africa and coincided with extreme temperatures elsewhere in the Northern Hemisphere.”
“Syria struggles to contain wildfires as temperatures rise.
“Firefighters were battling on Tuesday to extinguish multiple wildfires raging across the central Syrian countryside, local civil defence officials said, as temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius in parts of the country.”
“Türkiye’s summer wheat harvest hampered by severe drought.
“Halim Orta, a wheat farmer in the Thrace region, one of the granaries of Türkiye, had high hopes for the summer harvest when he sowed seeds in October last year. But the yield fell far short of expectations due to the severe drought that had badly affected agriculture throughout Türkiye.”
“Iraqis call for boycott of Turkish goods over water cuts.
“Iraqi citizens staged a protest outside the Turkish Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday against the water restrictions imposed by Turkey on Iraq. As a symbolic act against the water crisis, the demonstrators called for a boycott of Turkish products.”
“Sun-baked Iraqis protest water and electricity shortages.
““We have come to peacefully protest and demand water from the government and the source countries,” Najeh Jawda Khalil told AFP around midday as temperatures neared 50ºC. “The agricultural regions and marshes are gone,” said Khalil…”
“As water shortages intensify Iran’s heat wave, authorities shift blame…
“In public messaging, Iran’s leaders have sought to deflect blame to the Taliban, which rules in neighboring Afghanistan, for restricting water flow in the Helmand River. Officials have also blamed floods and fallen rocks, for disrupting the operation of dams around Tehran, and ordinary citizens, for their consumption of water and electricity.”
“On Jan 25, India sent a notice to Pakistan demanding the modification of the Indus Waters Treaty.Pakistan has so far refused to engage. The World Bank, which is affiliated with the UN system, arbitrates water disputes between the two countries.”
“11 people killed after wall collapses in Pakistan’s capital amid torrential rain.
“Eleven people lost their lives on Wednesday morning after a wall came crashing down near an under-construction bridge in Pakistan’s federal capital amid torrential rain, which also lashed the neighboring city of Rawalpindi.”
“Streets Flooded, Cars Submerged As Heavy Rain Batters Gujarat [India].
“Torrential rain caused severe waterlogging in Rajkot, Surat and Gir Somnath districts after the state received 300 mm [12 inches] of rainfall in the last few hours, forcing the evacuation of 70 people. Visuals on social media paint a grim picture in many areas with streets flooded, cars submerged and shops closed due to severe flooding.”
“Flash floods in India’s Assam state have killed at least eight people and displaced more than 115,000 after a regional river burst its banks earlier this month following heavy monsoon rains…
“Water from the swollen Brahmaputra River has engulfed nearly 450 villages in 17 districts in the hilly state in northeastern India, inundating large swathes of wildlife sanctuaries as well…”
“Another day of routine in China which means all time heat records broken.
“42.4C [108.3F] at Cele and 40.3C Chabuchaer broke their historic heat records. Waiting for a new record heat wave in the South, will China manage to have a day without any record broken?”
“Affected by the continuous heat wave and drought, the water level of the Yangtze River this year is lower than last year, and the rate of decline is faster.
“Today, the water level of the Yangtze River in Wuhan has hit the lowest level since observations began in 1865.”
“Beijing topped its record for high temperature days in a year on Tuesday with 27 days as a blistering heatwave sweeps through the Chinese capital.
“At 12:20pm (0420 GMT), the temperature measured by Beijing’s benchmark weather station in its southern suburbs soared to 35.1 Celsius (95.18 Fahrenheit), breaking through the 35C high temperature line… The previous record for high temperature days in a year was 26 days logged in 2000…”
“Yokohama (data since 1897) broke its record of the hottest July day on records with 37.3C [99.1F]. New monthly record also at Gotemba with 34.8C. Another stifling hot night ahead and more records of highest Tmins are expected.”
“Eastern Australia hit with rising electricity prices despite record warm weather…
“Gas demand trailed off in June, in part because of milder temperatures, sending gas prices below $10/GJ. Eastern Australia had its warmest ever June by maximum temperatures, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.”
“Colombia landslide kills at least 12 – Civil Defense.
“A landslide caused by heavy rains in a mountainous region of central Colombia killed at least 12 people on Tuesday and destroyed several houses, the country’s Civil Defense agency said. The landslide took place in Quetame…”
“Record heat again in the Cayman Islands yesterday: 34.5C [94.1F] at Owen Int AP tied the territorial July record which was beaten few days ago. The record warm water keeps maritime climates under constant record warmth.”
“Miami’s worst heat wave breaks records on land and sea…
“As of Monday, the heat index in Miami had topped 100°F for 37 consecutive days, and 106°F for 13 straight days, McNoldy said. The previous longest stretches with heat indices at or above these thresholds were 32 and four days.”
“Austin breaks heat record with temperatures of 105 or more for 10 days in a row.
“The National Weather Service Twitter account for the Austin and San Antonio areas announced the new record on Wednesday. Camp Mabry recorded 105 degrees at 2:33 p.m. on Wednesday, making it the 10th day of at least 105-degree temperatures.”
“Phoenix breaks heat record with 19th day of temperatures at 110F or higher.
“Tuesday marked the 19th day the city of Phoenix has been subjected to temperatures of at least 110F (43.3C) – the longest stretch of time spent in such brutal heat – as record-breaking summer weather continues to affect millions in the US and around the world.”
“39-day heat wave could last into August after smashing 2,300-plus records.
“The long-term forecast looks bleak. The extreme heat could continue into August in some of the hardest-hit areas and even a brief glimmer of cooler hope for some parts of the country headed into the weekend will only mean new areas swelter as a heat dome slides west.”
“Kentucky governor declares emergency after heavy rainfall causes widespread flooding.
“The western town of Mayfield saw 11.28 inches of rain from early Wednesday to 1 p.m., the National Weather Service in Paducah said. If verified, that would establish a new 24-hour rainfall record for the state, the service said. The record heading into Wednesday was 10.48 inches of rain, set in Louisville in 1997…”
“Floods prompt warnings about tainted U.S. Northeast water supplies.
“State officials across the U.S Northeast are warning residents about contaminated water following mass floods last week that swept raw sewage, pesticides, runoff fuel and other types of pollutants into private and public water systems.”
“Farmers warn crop diseases could follow this month’s floods.
“The governor of Massachusetts is pledging assistance to farmers who sustained losses in this month’s river flooding, but it remains unclear as to what form the relief will come in… “Things are just getting worse by the day,” said Jay Savage of Savage Farms in Deerfield.”
“Flat Fire spreading quickly in Southern Oregon, growing to almost 13,000 acres…
“Dry vegetation and winds have contributed to its quick spread. As of Wednesday morning, the fire stands at 12,756 acres. The fire has spread toward Wild Horse Ridge up Lawson Creek on its west side.”
“Military deploy to help fight B.C. wildfires as thousands under evacuation alerts, orders…
““Since April 1, 2023, 1,183 wildfires have burned a total of 1.39 million hectares,” Ma said. “As winds shift today, smoke and cloud cover will clear. These clear skies will increase temperatures, lower humidity and increase wildfire activity on many of our current wildfires.””
“‘Fighting a losing battle’: waves of wildfires leave Canada’s volunteer firefighters drained…
“For crews on the frontline, the struggle to contain aggressive boreal fires has left teams physically and emotionally exhausted. In recent days, morale has taken a further hit after two wildfire fighters were killed while combating blazes.”
“On 17th July 2 all time highs broken: 32.8C [91F] Ennadai Lake, Nunavut; 24.8C Sachs Harbour (72N), NWT. Today Monthly record at Mary’s Harbour in NL with 33.3C.”
“‘We are damned fools’: scientist who sounded climate alarm in 80s warns of worse to come.
“The world is shifting towards a superheated climate not seen in the past 1m years, prior to human existence, because “we are damned fools” for not acting upon warnings over the climate crisis, according to James Hansen, the US scientist who alerted the world to the greenhouse effect in the 1980s.”
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.
If you found value in this content, please help me continue this work by becoming a patron of my work via Patreon. And if you are already a subscriber or have donated – thank you! It is an enormous help as the cost-of-living crisis ratchets up here in the UK.
Dear readers and, especially, subscribers, my sincere apologies – I am having some dental issues and am going to have to book myself in for an emergency appointment tomorrow. I will therefore be unable to put out an Economic thread for Wednesday 19th July.
Thank you all so much for your patience and support, both moral and financial. I’ll be back with a Climate thread on Thursday; that seems to be the primary locus of drama right now. If something huge happens economically in the meantime, I’ll do my best to at least post a lead article.
“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.
“BREAKING… The Earth’s Energy Imbalance from NASA satellite data reached 1.97 W/m² (12-month mean)! I called this the most important graph in the world. This helps to explain all the records currently being broken around the word!
“Ocean temperatures are off the charts. Here’s where they’re highest.
“This month is the planet’s hottest on record by far – and hottest in around 120,000 years, scientists say.
“Extraordinary photos of July’s extreme weather.
“Meltwater from Antarctic Glaciers Is Slowing Deep-Ocean Currents…
“Even the coldest of Svalbard fjords show effects of climate change….
“The warmth is not just grippling the Lower 48 United States but also Alaska where the Central/Northern areas have been with a long warm spell.
“Landslides and uncertainty: As Nunavik’s permafrost thaws, locals and researchers focus on adaptation…
“Canadian wildfires produce catastrophic carbon emissions this year.
“‘They will eat anything’: Grasshoppers and heat continue to deteriorate Saskatchewan crops…
“Phoenix’s record heat is killing off cactuses.
“Think July was hot in the desert SW? Aug says hold my beer.
“Florida has some of the most amazing rain contrasts.
“Exceptional heat in Central America.
“A drought alert for receding Lake Titicaca has Indigenous communities worried for their future.
“Rhine water levels plummet after record temperature across Europe.
“Human remains found on a glacier close to Switzerland’s famous Matterhorn have been confirmed to be the body of a German climber missing since 1986.
“Southern Europe and north Africa count heavy cost of wildfires.
“New Heatwave with Up to 47 Degree [116.6F] Temperature to Hit Several Provinces Across Morocco.
“Extreme Heat wave in North Africa since weeks.
“Istanbul sees record heat of 23 years as country fights wildfires.
“Iraq facing severe droughts as Turkey cuts off rivers Tigris, Euphrates.
“Syria fishermen despair at water loss, river pollution.
“Wildfires break out in the woodlands of Latakia province in Syria.
“Telangana [India] records highest ever rainfall in a single day as state battles floods.
“Philippines: 26 people killed after overloaded ferry capsizes amid Typhoon Doksuri winds.
“Just now, the center of Typhoon Dusurui passed the Haixia No. 2 buoy in the Taiwan Strait, and recorded a 10-minute sustained wind speed of 49m/s, gust of 61.3m/s, and minimum air pressure of 930.9hpa.
“Hong Kong and Macau are having the worst heat wave in their history: Minimum temperatures up to 32.2C [90F] at Etar de Macau and 31.7C at Kai Tak in Hong Kong.
““Double” Heat Wave in China: both the North and South are with record hot conditions. 
“Heat records were broken mainly in western Japan on Thursday. Tokyo, meanwhile, reached 36.9C/98F, once again renewing the record for the highest number of temperatures above 35C/95F in July.
“Climate change-driven extreme weather events impacting HIV control in Asia Pacific.
“Dengue is breaking records in the Americas — what’s behind the surge?
“Dangerous fungus is becoming more prevalent. Scientists believe climate change could be to blame…
“Extreme heat and pollution can double the risk of a heart attack…
“G20 environment meeting ends without agreement on climate crisis.
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Commenter Curtis Bush was enquiring about macro-climate sources the other day. I happened upon this round-up; seems somewhat relevant:
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“‘No one wants to be right about this’: climate scientists’ horror and exasperation as global predictions play out…
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