A powerful nor’easter brought heavy rain, high winds, and coastal flooding to the Northeast, leading to road closures, flight delays, and emergency declarations in New York and New Jersey. Simultaneously, the remnants of Typhoon Halong caused catastrophic flooding in western Alaska, particularly in coastal communities like Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, where homes were swept away and residents were potentially unaccounted for. Emergency responders were deployed to the affected areas in Alaska and the National Guard was activated in Delaware as officials issued evacuation orders and warned of rising floodwaters. Further south, along the coast, South Carolina also experienced widespread flooding and water rescues.
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The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that July was the third-warmest on record, following two consecutive years of record-breaking temperatures. Despite a slightly lower global average, extreme weather events persisted, highlighting the ongoing effects of a warming world. The average global surface air temperature in July was still significantly above pre-industrial levels, and the 12-month period ending in July exceeded the 1.5°C warming threshold. The agency emphasized that unless greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, extreme weather events are likely to continue.
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Northern European countries are experiencing “truly unprecedented” heat, with the Arctic Circle in Norway recording temperatures above 30C (86F) for multiple days in July, and Finland enduring its longest heat streak since 1961. Scientists attribute these prolonged heatwaves, driven by hot waters and high pressure systems, to climate change, noting the increasing frequency and severity of such events. These extreme temperatures, which are 8-10C above seasonal norms, have led to wildfires, infrastructure strain, and the opening of ice rinks for relief, impacting both locals and tourists. Experts warn that these severe heatwaves will intensify as climate change progresses, posing significant challenges for the region.
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Iran declared a public holiday on Wednesday due to extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 125 degrees Fahrenheit in some provinces. Banks, businesses, and government offices in Tehran were closed to protect citizens and the power grid. These soaring temperatures are putting a strain on the country’s aging infrastructure, potentially leading to a water and energy crisis. A Tehran resident recounted a medical clinic experiencing a power outage, highlighting the impact on daily life.
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France shuts schools, a dramatic and necessary response, as a relentless heatwave blankets much of Europe. It’s a stark indication of the severity of the situation when such measures are deemed essential to protect children. Seeing schools close is a clear sign that the heat isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s becoming dangerous.
Italy limits outdoor work, a move born of necessity to protect its workforce. It’s not just the elderly or vulnerable who are at risk; even those who consider themselves fit and healthy, like the individual working outdoors, are feeling the strain. The “siesta time” culture suddenly makes a lot more sense, doesn’t it?… Continue reading
Severe storms, including confirmed tornadoes, ravaged parts of the upper Midwest, resulting in three fatalities and significant damage to the Bemidji Regional Airport and numerous homes. Nearly 150 million Americans faced a heat advisory or warning, with some areas experiencing temperatures 20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. The storms caused widespread power outages and infrastructure damage, prompting statewide disaster declarations. Simultaneously, Alaska battled over 100 wildfires, necessitating evacuations near Fairbanks and Denali National Park due to escalating fire conditions.
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Torrential rains in northern West Virginia resulted in flash flooding, claiming five lives, including a young child, and leaving three others missing. The deluge, exceeding four inches in some areas within a half-hour, overwhelmed infrastructure, submerging vehicles and causing widespread damage to roads, bridges, and gas lines. Rescue crews performed nineteen swift water rescues and continued searching for the missing, utilizing drones and search dogs amidst ongoing power outages and hampered restoration efforts. A state of emergency has been declared in affected counties.
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A joint forecast from the World Meteorological Organization and the U.K. Meteorological Office predicts a high likelihood (80%) of another record-breaking global temperature within the next five years, exceeding the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement. There’s even a chance, albeit small, of exceeding the 2°C warming limit before the end of the decade. This increased warming translates to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, floods, wildfires, and stronger hurricanes, resulting in significant risks to human health and life. The forecasts are based on multiple climate models and indicate a continuing trend of escalating global temperatures.
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Severe thunderstorms and torrential rainfall have caused catastrophic flooding across the US midsection, resulting in at least 16 deaths and impacting 41 million people. A three-day period of the highest possible flood risk, unprecedented outside of hurricane season, has led to widespread flash flooding and flash flood emergencies in several states. The storms have also caused tens of thousands of power outages and flight delays, with significant damage reported across Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri. The stagnant weather pattern is expected to break by Sunday, shifting the storm system eastward.
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Severe storms and record rainfall across South Texas resulted in at least three deaths and widespread flooding, forcing hundreds of rescues in cities like Harlingen, Alamo, and Weslaco. Over 200 residents required rescue in Harlingen alone, with several hundred homes flooded across the region. The flooding caused the closure of Valley International Airport and widespread power outages, while numerous schools and colleges canceled classes. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with officials continuing rescue operations and damage assessments.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood