2023's Global Extreme Weather: A Year of Climate Chaos

In the midst of 2023, the impacts of climate change are already evident, with devastating extreme weather events making headlines around the world, causing loss of life and livelihoods. Record cyclones, forest fires, heat waves and ice storms have shown that climate change is a present reality.

According to the latest IPCC report, if collective inaction continues, we could see a temperature rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius by the early 2030s, leading to even more frequent and intense extreme weather events. Climate experts warn that these events could soon become the "New Normal."

"Extreme heat events are more extreme than ever," Stephanie Herring, a scientist at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), told NPR. "Research is showing they're likely to become the new normal in the not-so-distant future."

Carbon Brief says that there is growing evidence linking human activity to an increased risk of extreme weather events, such as dangerous heat, droughts, floods and heavy rains. According to the Climate Data Analysis website, more than 70% of these events globally are intensified by human-induced climate change.

These extreme weather events are on the rise as temperatures continue to rise. The United Nations reported a significant increase in weather-related disasters in the past two decades.

The IPCC issued a dire "final warning" this year, urging immediate action to curb carbon emissions. Temperatures are already 1.1°C higher than pre-industrial levels, and breaking the 1.5°C mark would make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to reverse global temperature rise.

In July 2023 we have seen

• 23 consecutive days of global temperatures above previous record and counting.
• Possible hottest ever ocean waters in one location: Ocean waters in Florida reach 101.19F (38.43C), which if confirmed would beat the previous hottest reliably recorded temperature by 0.83C (no official records of local SST are maintained).
• Hottest night ever recorded globally: Death Valley, USA was 120F/48.9C after midnight
• Hottest recorded global ocean temperature in July: Global sea surface temperatures smash records for time of year, just 0.1C lower than all time record (set in April 2023).
• Hottest night ever recorded in Africa: Algeria recorded a record high daily minimum temperature of 39.6C. Doctors say high nighttime temperatures are a silent killer.
• Hottest night ever recorded in Europe: Palermo, Sicily in Italy reached record high daily minimum temperature of 37.2C
• Hottest day ever recorded in China: 52.2C, also hottest recorded temperature above 43N latitude.
• Record low Antarctic sea ice recorded for July (switch hemisphere to view Antarctica) - One in 13 billion year event without climate change. Christiana Figueres: “No words.”
• Hottest ever temperatures recorded in the Mediterranean sea: 28.4C, a month before usual temperature peaks.
• Record number of consecutive days with highs above 110F (43.3C) for major US cities: Phoenix Arizona with 27 and counting (previous record 18).
• Hottest temperature ever recorded in Albania: 44C Kucova 
• Record consecutive days above 35C in Beijing: 27 days.
• Hottest temperature recorded in Rome: 42.9C, 2.2C hotter than previous record set only in 2022 - also national record for Vatican City.
• Record breaking monsoons in South Asia: Mumbai had its wettest July ever, while record rainfall was recorded in Lahore, Pakistan.

• Honourable mention: Death Valley reached a high of 129F/53.9C, close to record highest reliably recorded temperature 130F (highest ever 134F Death Valley 1913). 
• Honourable mention: Sardinia 48.2C, close to the all time European record 48.8C (set in Sardinia 2021).
• All time heat records: many weather stations in China reached record heat levels and the all-China heat record was broken, hottest night recorded for Toksun, China, national heat record for all Albania broken, heat record broken for Catalunya, many parts of France, parts of Japan, many parts of Canada have seen their hottest ever day and night, Russia with also many record warm nights, Kazakhstan, high elevation parts of Iran are seeing the world’s worst high elevation heatwave, many all time records broken in Algeria and Tunisia, including hottest ever night in Africa, the Canaries had their hottest ever night which was the tied second hottest in Africa, highest ever records of daily minimum temperature in parts of Spain, highest ever max temps in parts of Spain, highest minimum temperatures in Marathon, Florida three days in a row and then beat it again, seawater temperatures in Florida smashed local record and now have possibly broken the global record, parts of Cuba, parts of Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico tied their all time high, parts of Arizona, Cayman Islands, highest ever night time temperatures in Phoenix Arizona which also had its record for longest time without falling below 90F/32.2C AND record number of days above 110F/43.3C, parts of Austria, First time ever stations at 1000m asl in Andorra recorded a ‘tropical night’, over 20C, Rome and many other parts of Italy, parts of Albania, all time record tied in part of Greece, new records set in parts of Turkiye,

• July heat records: several places in the Philippines, Trujillo in Peru had warmest July night, Antarctica broke July heat records on the peninsula and at the South Pole, record July temps in the Alps (Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Austria, Germany), July records fell in parts of France, parts of Germany, Czechia,  parts of Brazil, Mauritius, parts of Japan, also highest nighttime temperatures in Japan, record warm nights in parts of  Australia, parts of New Zealand, mountainous parts of Iran, parts of Morocco, Tunisia, parts of Spain, Dominican Republic, Haiti, New Mexico, parts of Italy, parts of Bosnia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, parts of New Mexico tied July record, parts of Canada, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Wallis and Futuna, parts of Greece, Argentina, Bolivia, Mayotte, Dominica, Malta tied its national July record, parts of Cuba, 

• July floods: Other parts of the world are suffering from unprecedented flooding, with thousands being evacuated daily. In the US, historic flooding submerged homes in Vermont, northern New York, and southwestern Kentucky and in Lahore, Pakistan, record-breaking 291 mm rainfall killed at least 50 - 8 of which were children. Record monsoon rains hit parts of India, causing roads, bridges and houses to collapse; the death toll now surpassed 100. Mumbai has now had the wettest July ever, with a total of 1557.8mm of rain so far. The Yamuna River in New Delhi reached its highest level ever, while unprecedented floods around Delhi have forced thousands to leave their homes, with widespread flooding and deaths across the rest of India and also Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bhutan.

In South Korea, over 40 people died due to floods - at least 7 of whom were trapped in their vehicles in a tunnel during the flood. Kurume, in southwest Japan, reported 402.5 mm of rain, the highest ever recorded, while Fukuoka, Yamagucho and Shimane were also heavily affected by the rain - over 1.7 million residents were impacted. Devastating floods were experienced in Guatemala and Somalia, where the rain destroyed crops and inundated whole villages. China’s Hunan saw its worst flooding in 50 years, which caused widespread damage and casualties in parts of Chongqing and Yunnan too. Similar devastating floods were seen in Indonesia and Brazil. Parts of Ireland were flooded after the second wettest 24 hours on record for those counties.

Food security: Countries not directly impacted by climate catastrophes might feel its effects later on in 2023, as harvests from climate-vulnerable countries and crop-producing regions are hit by extreme heat, drought and flooding, having implications for the global breadbasket. In particular, scientists say that heatwaves are threatening food security because of major crop losses in different regions - such as soybean and rice - affecting global prices and food availability.

So far impacts to agriculture in July include: Indian government banned export of non-basmati white rice due to rain, triggering panic buying and price rises abroad, crops damaged in Mexico, US, Italy, Spain, North Africa, Iraq, China, Australia due to heatwaves, farmers cannot plant less rice in Thailand due to drought, drought is affecting crops in Uruguay, milk production down in Puerto Rico, Italy due to heat, livestock dying of heat in Mexico, Niger, the heatwave is set to affect Caribbean and Mediterranean fisheries, hail affected crops in Italy. Due to flooding, particularly in Ivory Coast, cocoa prices are up more than 25% in 12 months. Cereal production in southern Europe is expected to fall by up to 60% compared to last year due to the summer heatwaves, and will likely be the lowest harvest since 2007. Northern Italian tomatoes down 15% due to floods, price rises on the way.

India

Physical impact: floods

• Across north-west India, the level of rainfall this monsoon has been about 60% greater than the typical season. In the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, there has been around double the amount.
• 27 July: New record in Mumbai as the wettest July ever, with a total of 1557.8mm of rain so far.
• 25 July: further heavy rainfall in Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, heavy rain forecast in Odisha, Andra Pradesh
• 19 July: heavy rains in western India triggered a landslide in Maharashtra and threats further landslides at Irshalwadi
• 12-14 July: Delhi experienced unprecedented flooding in its Northeast, East, and North districts due to the continuous rise in the Yamuna River. The river level was at its highest in 45 years, and an orange alert was issued to evacuate as Yumana crossed the warning mark.

Cascading/human impacts:

• 27 July: Red alerts for floods in Telangana, with residents rescued by boats and helicopters.
• 25 July: Cauveri river flooding, Yumna river in Delhi still above danger level after reaching ALL TIME HIGH on July 13th, three year old child dies after being rescued from collapsed house in Haveri district, roads flooded in Warangal, Telangana, Ganga river flowing above danger mark in Haridwar, flooding in Faridkot, in Himachal Pradesh a dam was damaged and started overflowing, houses and agricultural land damaged, two bridges washed away, cattle killed, some roads damaged, power supply disrupted, four dead in Karnataka, Hyderabad waterlogged, landslides block road in Uttarakhand, multiple roads blocked. 
• 24 July: seven people killed in Uttar Pradesh, four killed in a house collapse in  Gujarat including two children, three drowned in Udapi, houses destroyed and livestock killed in Himachal Pradesh, 13,000 ha crops damaged in Maharashtra while schools and colleges were closed in the state, landslide on Mumbai-Pune expressway, low-lying areas flooded Karnataka while schools in the state are closed, pilgrimage disrupted in Kamera due to damage to road, three young people died in Kerala where schools are also closed, 9 die in 24 hours in Gujurat, landslides in Uttarakhand block roads, trains diverted in Delhi, Yamunotri highway and others blocked, three year old dies in flooded house in Delhi.
• 20 July: the government announced the prohibition of export of non-basmati white rice because of fears of a production shortfall due to rain, triggering panic buying and price rises.
• 19 July: at least 16 people died after being trapped under piles of debris during a landslide in Maharashtra. Local volunteer rescuers estimate a higher number of deaths - 60 to 70.
• 16 July: at least 15 people have died; 11,543 people were evacuated and 126,305 affected (mostly in Assam and Uttar Pradesh)
• 12-16 July: non-essential government offices, schools and colleges were closed and people were advised to work from home in Delhi.
• 13 July: More than 100 people died in large parts of northern India over the previous 2 weeks - most notably in the mountainous Himachal Pradesh state. Nearly 170 houses collapsed and another 600 were partially damaged by heavy rains and landslides. In addition, water supply fell by a quarter because treatment plants were flooded. Crops such as tomatoes are also being affected, with prices increasing by 400% due to extreme weather events in major producing states.
• 12 July: 460 buildings had been partly or fully damaged in 9 states.
• 7-10 July: Beas River overflowed, sweeping vehicles downstream as it flooded neighbourhoods in the north of New Delhi. At least 15 people died due to the flooding.

Countries: Afghanistan,

In January, temperatures plunged to -28C in Afghanistan, well below average for the time of year, resulting in the deaths of 78 people and 77,000 livestock, according to CNN.  

Al Jazeera said that polar vortex disruptions have been attributed to this extreme drop in temperature, according to climate scientists, and it has compounded the misery of Afghans, who are already suffering from an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

Physical impact: torrential rain

• 24 July: Heavy monsoon rains 

Cascading/human impacts:

• At least 44 people killed, over 40 missing in Afghanistan and Pakistan. At least 250 livestock killed, hundreds of square miles of agricultural land washed out.

Country: Pakistan

Physical impact: flash floods

• July 5: record-breaking 291 mm rainfall triggered severe urban floods across Lahore.
• July 2: the Met Department issued a countrywide advisory of heavy rain and potential hailstorm leading to urban flooding

• Cascading/human impacts:

• July 7: in the past 2 weeks, at least 50 died due to heavy rains. Of them, 8 kids were killed in a landslide in Shangla district. 87 people were injured during the same period, mostly in Punjab.
• July 5: 7 fatalities were reported in Lahore, and extensive infrastructural damage was recorded. Almost 35% of residents were left without water and electricity.

July 3: death toll reached 34 and 48 injured in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan provinces.

Country: Bhutan

Physical impact: floods

• 20 July: heavy rainfall 

Cascading/human impacts:

• 20 July: At least 6 killed and 17 missing. Section of hydropower dam damaged, paddy fields damaged

Global severe heatwave affects millions

In a story of extreme weather, searing heat waves have gripped Europe, Asia and North America, unleashing record temperatures and wreaking havoc. The situation became dire as wildfires spread, health warnings echoed and evacuations began.

In Europe, the European Space Agency warned of an unprecedented heat wave that would hit Sicily and Sardinia in Italy. Forecasters predicted a staggering high of 48 degrees Celsius, which could make it the hottest temperature ever recorded on the continent.

In Greece, a firestorm ravaged the landscape, causing chaos and forcing hundreds of people, including children attending summer camps, to evacuate coastal towns outside of Athens.

Across the Atlantic in the United States, the National Weather Service sounded alarms as a "widespread and oppressive" heat wave engulfed southern and western states, affecting more than 80 million people. The notorious Death Valley was hardest hit, with temperatures reaching a near-record 52 degrees Celsius, while wildfires raged in southern California.

East Asia caught no respite as Japan issued heatstroke warnings for tens of millions of citizens. Near-record highs scorched several regions, further exacerbating the impact of the heat wave.

Cyclone Freddy

Cyclone Freddy made landfall in southern Africa in February, causing the death of more than 400 people across Mozambique, Malawi, and Madagascar, and displacing 80,000 people.

"Although it is 'tricky' to say whether climate change solely caused the cyclone, it is said that climate change likely enhanced the amount of rain which fell, especially during its time over land, as warmer air can hold more water" the BBC.

It was reported to be “one of the longest-lived storms” ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere and, in a testament of its strength, it surpassed the previous accumulated cyclone energy record, beating the previous record set by Cyclone Fantala in 2016.

Floods in California

In a remarkable turn of events, the United States experienced its third wettest January on record this year, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. California, in particular, witnessed an extraordinary increase in rainfall compared to previous years.

The Golden State found itself pummeled by an astonishing 31 atmospheric river storms within a few months, as described by the Los Angeles Times. These weather phenomena transport moisture-laden air from the tropics to higher latitudes, as explained by CNN. Their impact was significant, bringing forth heavy rain, posing a flood threat, and blanketing the region with heavy snow, leading to hazardous travel conditions and strong winds gusting at hurricane-force levels.

Warm winter in Europe

This year, Europe experienced its second warmest winter on record, as a formidable wintertime heat dome descended upon the continent, leading to the temporary closure of numerous ski resorts, as reported by The Washington Post.

Euronews stated that the average temperature during this winter was approximately 1.4 degrees Celsius warmer than the average for the period from 1991 to 2020, trailing behind only the winter temperatures of 2019-2020.

India Monsoon Evacuations

Severe monsoon flooding has wreaked havoc in six north Indian states, claiming the lives of at least 91 people and affecting millions more. Record rainfall has transformed schools and colleges into disaster relief camps, causing waterlogging, road collapses, and destruction of homes in several regions of northern India.

Heavy rains have hit the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh the hardest, causing at least 45 deaths since July 7. The heavy rains have destroyed thousands of acres of agricultural crops and stranded tens of thousands of people in Uttarakhand.

Historic Flooding Hits Vermont

Vermont, USA, faced an unprecedented deluge of rain, breaking records and causing severe flooding. Officials declared a state of emergency after the Winooski River breached its banks, exacerbating the devastation caused by two months of heavy rain.

“Make no mistake, the devastation and flooding we’re experiencing across Vermont is historic and catastrophic,” Governor Phil Scott told CNN.

The recent historic flooding has been considered the most severe natural disaster since the devastating floods of 1927, claiming many lives and causing extensive devastation.

Intense tropical storm Mawar

Tropical Storm Mawar, the most potent cyclone of the year, struck Guam, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan with its relentless force. With peak winds reaching 175 mph and gusts up to 210 mph, the super typhoon inflicted widespread destruction and highlighted the urgency of climate change concerns in the region.

At the end of May and early June, Typhoon Mawar affected Guam, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan, causing unusually intense conditions.

Mawar became a super typhoon, with peak winds jumping to 175 mph with gusts near 210 mph, reported as the strongest tropical cyclone globally so far in 2023.

Jefferson Chua, a campaigner from Greenpeace Philippines, emphasizes that the Philippines is consistently experiencing a climate emergency. The occurrence of super typhoons has now become commonplace, in addition to enduring long-term consequences, like droughts, rising sea levels, and depletion of resources.

Wildfires ravage Canada

Canada experienced an unparalleled start to the wildfire season, with over 900 active wildfires, and more than half considered out of control. Extreme dry weather and a subsequent heatwave contributed to the unprecedented blaze, displacing thousands and causing dangerous air quality conditions across the US and Canada.

Physical impact: wildfires

• Starting in June, Canada experienced its worst-ever fire season. By July, there were still more than 900 active fires - many of which were out of control. Over 109,000 km2 have been burnt by July 20.

Cascading/human impacts:

• A million people across Canada, New England and the mid-Atlantic states have suffered poor air quality since June, with clouds of smoke carrying high levels of toxic air pollution reaching as far as Norway and the UK.
• Many Indigenous communities lost their houses and their settlements 
• Almost 23,000 Indigenous people have had to evacuate

Physical impact: torrential rain

• 24 July: Three month’s worth of rain fell in a day in Nova Scotia - worst floods in Atlantic Canada in 50 years

Cascading/human impacts:

• At least four people missing including two children - one later found dead. Nova Scotia’s residents are told to evacuate amid threat of a dam breach.

6 bridges destroyed, 19 damaged

For the past six weeks, a severe bushfire crisis has been dealt with by Canada, resulting in the widespread devastation of its forests and wildlife. These massive wildfires have triggered mass evacuations and have burned a staggering area of over 3.3 million acres.

This year, Canada has already experienced 2,214 fires, which together burned an area comparable to the size of Belgium. Disturbingly, projections indicate that the risk of wildfires will continue to increase in June and will remain alarmingly high through the summer season.

On July 17, several cities in the US elevated the levels on the Air Quality Index. For instance, the Air Quality Index in Cleveland reported 166 AQI. The health of individuals may suffer adverse consequences as any air quality reading above 150 AQI is considered unhealthy.

Myanmar hit by powerful Cyclone Mocha

Cyclone Mocha struck Myanmar's Rakhine State as one of the strongest cyclones ever recorded in the region. The devastating storm claimed the lives of approximately 145 people, destroyed critical infrastructure, and disrupted education for thousands of students.

According to the UN, the cyclone impacted 800,000 people overall. The education sector in the country has been significantly impacted by the storm, as approximately 80% of schools have suffered damage. This has resulted in disruptions to the scheduled start of the new school year, which was supposed to commence around the time the storm struck.

Torrential rains cause chaos in Italy

Italy's Emilia-Romagna region experienced torrential rainfall, leading to destructive flood and landslides that caused fatalities and displaced tens of thousands. The heavy rains wreaked havoc on farmlands and vital infrastructure, causing immense damage and disruption.

• Heatwave ‘near impossible without climate change’
• Hottest ever temperatures recorded in the Mediterranean sea: 28.4C, a month before usual temperature peaks.
• 25 July: Palermo Observatory minimum temperature 36.2C, Palermo SIAS overnight Tmin (midnight-9am) 37.2C. Both are new European records.
• 25 July: In Italy record at Lamezia with 42.7C
• 24 July: Multiple all time records smashed in Italy with highs of 43-47C
• 24 July: Jerzu, Sardinia reaches 48.2C, just short of all time European record 48.8C set in Sardinia in 2021.
• 24 July: Palermo reaches 47C, obliterating its all-time heat record by over 2°C. The previous record was +44.8°C in August 1999. The observatory has weather data dating back to 1791. This is a very significant record to fall by such an enormous margin.
• 24 July: The centenarian observatory of Palermo, Sicily just rose to 45.3C, beating its all time record set in August 1999. Just after noon, in the other side of Sicily, Noto is at 46.6C.
• 23 July: Today 23 July Italy rose as much as 46.4C. The tiny island of Ustica with 41.0C broke its all time record.
• 21 July: Off the southern Italian Coast, water temperatures are peaking at 30.4°C (86.7°F), a more typical water temperature you'd see in the Caribbean this time of year. Along the Amalfi Coast, overnight lows have been struggling to get below 24°C (75°F) as heat indices approach 40°C.
• 20 July: 47.7C in Sardinia
• 19 July: 23 cities on red alert
• 19 July: Hottest temperature ever recorded in Rome: 42.9C, 2.2C hotter than previous record set only last year, 2022 (40.7C)
• 19 July: Today exceptional 46.7C at Nuraminis in Sardinia is the new 2023 European highest. All time records set in parts of Italy
• 18 July: More long term records beaten in the island of Sardinia/Sardegna today
• 18 July: Rome temperatures reach 41.8C, breaking previous records
• 17 July: Italians have been warned to prepare for “the most intense heatwave of the summer and also one of the most intense of all time” as temperatures hit a near-record 39C in Rome on Monday.
• 17 July: Temperature rose as high as 45.7C at Villanova, In Sardinia, Italy, new 2023 record. 38.0C Campobasso, Italy new July record
• 15 July: Red alerts issues to 16 cities across Italy

President of Emilia-Romagna, Stefano Bonaccini said of the situation: "There is no territory that can hold out when we experience six months of rain in 36 hours, falling where there had already been record rain two weeks ago."

Cascading/human impacts:

• Three killed in fires in Sicily
• Palermo airport closed, many roads closed due to fires.
• Patients evacuated from a hospital in Palermo due to fires, amidst a rise in heat illnesses. Routine appointments suspended.
• Fifteenth century church in Palermo affected by fire
• Power cuts and water supply problems in Catania, Siclity
• Cereal harvest is set to be the lowest since 2007, largely because of extreme heat in Portugal, Spain and Italy throughout July.
• Catania in Sicily ‘brought to its knees’ by rolling power cuts due to heat damage to underground cables. This affected water pumps providing water to 200,000-300,000 people
• The prolonged intensity of this heatwave and brutally hot tropical nights (20°C+) for millions across Southern Europe will build accumulating heat stress over the coming days that will not allow many to recover from the hot daytime temperatures, threatening public health and increasing the risk of heat illnesses. 
• Additionally, a marine heatwave ongoing in the Mediterranean Sea intensifies the heat on land by increasing moisture levels in the air, making the extreme heat feel even more "humid," making heat-related deaths more likely due to the dangerous combo of heat and humidity.
• Summer tourism numbers in the Mediterranean are falling, with significant implications for Italy’s GDP and economic growth.
• German health minister says Italian tourism ‘has no future’ after suffering from the heatwave while visiting the country.
• 44 year old man died while painting zebra crossings in Milan, 60 year old man died in his bakery in Padua.
• More workers died - in supermarkets, on construction sites, on farms and more.
• Visitors collapse in Rome.
• Unions concerned for agricultural workers and construction workers
• Hospitals report a 20-25% increase in numbers arriving at emergency units.
• Healthcare under strain in Northern Hemisphere due to heat.
• Record electricity consumption as people use airconditioning, leading to energy blackouts in Rome, Naples, Taranto and Bari - some metro stations suffered delayed opening in Rome on 19th July due to power cuts.
• Heatwave plus the worst drought in 70 years are devastating olive oil production
• Heatwaves in June and July are causing a poor tomato harvest. Milk production is estimated to have dropped by 10% because cows eat less in the heat, drink huge quantities of water and make less milk.
• Cereal production in southern Europe is expected to fall by up to 60% compared to last year due to the summer heatwaves, and will likely be the lowest harvest since 2007. 
• Car making factory stopped work due to heat while other workers went on strike due to dangerous hot conditions.
• Farmworkers working 4am-11am
• Possible landslides in glaciers

South Sudan's Fourth Year of Consecutive Flooding

South Sudan witnessed a historic fourth year of devastating floods, impacting around one million people and submerging vast regions of the country. With no sign of receding waters, basic necessities like food, water, and health care became difficult to access, leaving the country vulnerable to climate-induced displacements.

Mercy Gichuhi, Country Director for Mercy Corps in South Sudan, said: "floodwaters in Unity State have rendered all roads impassable, making basic necessities such as food, clean water, and health care, as well as life-saving humanitarian aid, difficult to access."

Worst Cyclone Freddy Sweeps Across Africa

Cyclone Freddy battered Malawi, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Zimbabwe, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The cyclone's intensity and longevity set new global records for accumulated cyclone energy. Public health concerns intensified as water and sanitation facilities were washed away.

The cyclone's intensity was so extreme that it shattered the global record for the highest accumulated cyclone energy and established a new record for the longest-lasting cyclone in recorded history. Apart from causing severe damage to infrastructure, the storm also washed away essential water and sanitation facilities.

As a result, there are significant public health concerns regarding the potential escalation of cholera spread, which was already a problem in Malawi prior to the cyclone's occurrence.

Deadly Heatwave sweeps across Asian Continent

Asia experienced a searing heatwave, shattering temperature records in more than a dozen countries. The extreme heat, described as the worst April heatwave in Asian history, impacted millions of lives, with school and business closures and reported deaths in India and Thailand. Climate experts warn that such heatwaves will increase in frequency and intensity across South Asia.

Maximiliano Herrera, a climatologist and weather historian, spoke to the Guardian and referred to the extreme heat as the "worst April heatwave in Asian history". The extreme heat is continuing in the country, resulting in the closure of schools and businesses to protect citizens from the heat, and there have been deaths reported in India and Thailand.

Deepshikha Sharma, a climate and environment specialist at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), asserted that human-induced climate change is primarily responsible for the increasing number and intensity of heatwaves observed in Asia. These heatwaves serve as a signal that the climate emergency has arrived for this region."

Chile Faces Decade-long Mega Drought

Chile suffered from an unprecedented "mega drought" that led to one of the deadliest wildfires in the nation's history. Intense summer temperatures and strong winds fueled the catastrophic blaze, leaving widespread destruction and loss of life. Authorities declared a state of emergency in three regions, emphasizing the urgent need to address climate change.

The flames engulfed an estimated 270,000 hectares (667,000 acres) of land, resulting in the destruction of numerous homes, the loss of 24 lives, and the declaration of a state of emergency in three regions. Chile's interior minister, Carolina Tohá, expressed astonishment at the unprecedented temperatures at the time, stating, "The thermometer has reached points that we have never known until now."

Winter storm creates chaos in southern-central US

An intense winter storm swept through the southern-central United States, leaving almost 40 million people under a weather alert. At least 10 people lost their lives, and widespread power outages and damages to homes disrupted daily life for hundreds of thousands.

Rain in São Paulo causes landslides

Brazil's São Paulo state faced torrential rainfall, triggering severe floods and landslides that claimed 48 lives and displaced 40,000 people. The region witnessed the highest cumulative rainfall ever recorded in the country, causing devastation to farmlands and critical infrastructure.

After floods and landslides struck, people who lost their homes sought refuge in churches and schools. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to find survivors and provide essential provisions, including food, water, and hygiene kits, to those in need.

These efforts became further complicated due to landslides obstructing access to isolated regions. A statement issued by the Governor of São Paulo proclaimed that the rainfall in the cities of the North Coast of São Paulo was the most extreme ever documented in Brazil's history.

Region: North and Central America

Country: USA

Physical impact: Heatwave

• Heatwave ‘near impossible without climate change’
• 26 July: Possible hottest ever ocean waters in one location: Ocean waters in Florida reach 101.19F (38.43C), which if confirmed smashes the  previous likely hottest ever sea surface temperature of 37.6C (no official records of local SST are maintained).

26 July: Record high in Phoenix at 118F (47.8C) - now 27 days of highs above 110F.

• 25 July: Record number of consecutive days with highs above 110F (43.3C) for major US cities: Phoenix Arizona with 26 and counting.
• 24 July: Ocean waters in Florida reach 99.3F(37.2C), close to global record water temperatures (world record 37.6C)
• 24 July: All time record was tied again at Marathon Florida with 99F. Another hot spot is Montana with temperatures up to 108F.
• 24 July: Alaska very warm, up to 90F in places
• 24 July: Salt Lake City (4300ft asl) had a minimum temperature of 82F/27.8C, tying the highest on record. 80% of Americans experiencing >90F this week.
• 23 July: 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.
• 23 July: Miami International Airport beats heat record at 98F
• 21 July: Phoenix Arizona has had over 70 days at 90F (32.2C)  or higher, multiple other cities have seen 50+ days at 90F or higher.
• 21 July: Albuquerque, New Mexico (1632m asl) only dropped to 79°F this morning. It not only set a record warm low temperature, but it tied for the warmest low temperature on record and has made it the longest stretch of 70°F+ low temperatures on record. 
• 21 July: Utqiagvik, the northernmost city in the U.S. is currently 74°F. Not only does that smash the 70-year record for this date of 67°F & is nowhere close to the normal of 49°F, but this is the warmest they've been on any day since 2009. To find a warmer day, you have to go back to 1999.
• 21 July: 21 days of 110F temps in Phoenix, 11 nights of 90F or more, on track Phoenix to become the first major city in American history to average over 100°F for an entire month.
• 20 July: Miami had a triple-digit heat index for the 39th consecutive day, extending a record from the week before. Ocean temperatures in South Florida were up to 7F warmer than they typically are this time of the year. A level 2 alert for the reefs was issued.
• 19 July: Phoenix broke the record for major US cities, experiencing its 20th straight day of temperatures of 110F (43.3C) or more. Phoenix’s low of 95 F (35C) on Monday was its highest overnight low ever, toppling the previous record of 93 F (33.8C) set in 2009. It was the tenth straight day of temperatures not falling below 90 F (32.2C), another record. High nighttime heat means people and animals can’t recover from daytime temperatures, increasing health risks.
• 17 July: heat locally at record levels in Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. 17 July: Death Valley at 129F/53.9C. 
• 17 July: WORLD RECORD night temperature: Badwater (Death Valley) after midnight was still 120F/48.9C! 1
• 6 July: SW USA Heat Wave: Death Valley made it to 128F today, records tied in Nevada.
• 16 July: Kingman, Arizona 114F is a new all time high
• 14 July: Marathon Florida with a min temperature of 86F beat its all time highest minimum temperature for the 3rd day in a row
• 12 July: Historic records of highest min. temperatures were tied at Key West and Key Marathon today with 87F and 86F.
• 11 July: The sea water temperatures in Florida are skyrocketing to uncharted territories; as much as 97F/36C. As reference, the highest known sea temperatures are found in the Arabian Gulf with 99F/37C.
• 3 July: 125.7°F/52.1°C in Furnace Creek, Death Valley, CA!  This is the highest temperature of the year in the world, surpassing the 51.8°C recorded in Shahdad, Iran, last month.

Cascading/human impacts:

• At least 18 heat-related deaths were confirmed in Maricopa County (AZ) - 69 other deaths are still being investigated.
• About ¼ of the US population under heat advisory warnings as of 17 July.
• Record high power use in Texas, Texans urged to conserve power.
• Wildfires in California - evacuations and worsened air quality.
• Dozens of heat deaths through June and July - more under investigation as possibly heat related.
• Prisoners die in non-air conditioned jails in Texas.
• Passengers sick after sitting for four hours in non-air conditioned plane in Las Vegas
• Fatalities have been in the hundreds and increasing year on year in Phoenix, Arizona, which has had record-breaking heat this July.
• Many migrants have been found dead on the southern US border, apparently due to heatstroke.
• Deaths in June and now July in Death Valley
• Danger to outdoor workers - at least two farm workers die in heat in Florida including a 29 year old
• Possible increase in road rage incidents
• People treated for burns from pavements reaching 71C in Phoenix, Arizona
• Pet owners urged to feel road temperatures before walking pets.
• Wildfires in Puerto Rico
• Milk production down in Puerto Rico due to heat
• Heat and drought impacting crops across the USA
• Heat stress and bleaching for Florida’s coral reefs - some bleaching already seen, with even 3,000 year old coral bleaching, likely knock-on impacts on fisheries. Some reefs have lost all colour - never happened before 1 Aug. 100% coral mortality in some restoration sites.  Likely to be the worst ever bleaching in Florida.
• Dead fish and lobsters seen in Florida, suspected to be from water temperatures.
• Reduced water levels in places.
• Extended heat is affecting crop yields in the Sun Belt, increasing the risk of heat stress to many breadbasket crops.
• The heat is putting pressure on the electrical grid, and the risk of power outages creates additional health concerns if people are unable to cool off.
• Smoke resulting from Canadian wildfires will continue to impact US air quality throughout the summer.
• Residents across California are having their home insurances dropped amidst fire risks, with several big insurers scaling back their businesses to avoid covering future wildfire damages. Insurers in Colorado, Louisiana and Florida are heading in a similar direction, under the prediction that some homes will be prone to more frequent and damaging extreme weather events.

Country: USA

Physical impact: floods

• 19 July: Graves County, southwestern Kentury, received more than 11.28 inches / 28.65 cm of heavy rain, breaking the 24-hour rainfall record for Kentury. Authorities stated that a flash flood emergency was in effect, as some places received up to 4 feet of water. 
• 14 July: US authorities issued flash flood and severe thunderstorm warnings for part of eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas, with up to 7.6 cm of rain in some areas and winds up to 70 kph. Authorities also issued mandatory evacuation in some communities.
• 13 July: historic flooding up to 0.22 m in Vermont submerged homes.
• 10 July: over 30 cm of rain fell in some areas northern of New York, triggering a rare flash flood emergency.

Cascading/human impacts:

• 26 July: a brief storm in NYC flooded subway cars, leveled several trees and shattered windows of cars. Train floors were covered in rainwater
• 21 July: Northwest farmers report that flood destroyed their harvest, with a value estimated to be between $250,000-750,000 in losses. In Massachusetts, at least 75 farms have been affected by flooding, with crop losses estimated to be over $15 million.
• 20 July: rescuers are searching for a 2-year-old and her 9-month-old brother, both washed away with their mother during a flash flood in Pennsylvania. The tragedy unforded on July 15, when 11 cards were washed away due to flooding.
• 18 July: women and her 5-year-old daughter were swept down a swollen river in Connecticut due to recent heavy rains.
• 13 July: Railroad track in Ludlow was completely washed by the flood. The Winooski River burst its banks and flooded several streets of Montpelier Town, with authorities expressing their concern that water levels may impact dams.
• 10 July: One person died in Orange County after being swept away by the flood when trying to escape. More than 200 had to be rescued and over 100 evacuated from their homes.

Country: Mexico

Physical impact: Heatwave

• Heatwave ‘near impossible without climate change’
• 4th Tmax > 50°C of the month in Mexicali, Baja California with 51.1°C, only 0.9°C from the Mexican all-time record.
  • July 25: 51.1°C
  • July 19: 51.1°C
  • July 18: 50.6°C
  • July 1: 50.2°C
• 19 July: Exceptionally high temperatures in Mexico with up to 51.1°C in Mexicali, Baja California!This is only 0.9°C below the Mexican all-time record set in July 1995.
• 19 July 2023: Temperatures of 40C-45C in northern states as heat dome hits Mexico
• July 2023: Fifth heatwave of the year hits Mexico
• June 2023 in Mexico had an average temperature of 27.4C,+2.3C above the 1991-2020 normal and was the hottest month ever recorded in Mexican history. 

Cascading/human impacts:

• June heatwave “Mexico is living its worst heat wave in climatic history hands down.”
• At least 167 dead, over 2,500 sick.
• Death of livestock
• Coral reef bleaching alerts - “90% risk bleaching”
• Coral bleaching already seen in places.
• Crops affected include coffee, maize, beans, oats, sugarcane.
• Electrical grid failures leading to food loss, ice rationing
• Schools ended early or moved classes online
• Highest number of wildfires in two decades in Sonora

Floods in Rwanda caused by heavy rains

Heavy rains and flooding devastated Rwanda's northern and western provinces, affecting more than 120 people and causing severe damage to farmland and businesses. The country has not experienced such catastrophic flooding since 2020, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The situation has also impacted neighboring Uganda, where landslides have claimed lives.

These events serve as a stark reminder of how climate change intensifies extreme weather events worldwide, leading to catastrophic consequences for human lives and the environment.

Country: Spain and Portugal

Physical impact: drought

• Dry and hot conditions are visible in Spain and Portugal, with the danger of moderate or high risk of wildfires. Some of these regions are major food producers of both countries. 

Cascading/human impacts:

• 26 July: Fires spread in Spain and Portugal
• Cereal harvest is set to be the lowest since 2007, largely because of extreme heat in Portugal, Spain and Italy throughout July.
• The drought is projected to decrease agricultural production in both countries due to limited water supply.
• 14 July: very extreme danger in parts of Spain and “extreme danger” or “very high danger” of fire in most of the Iberian Peninsula.

12 July: prices for olive oil are surging due to the unusually dry weather damaging crops; the average price of a bottle increased by 47% in the year.

Countries: Türkiye, Albania

Physical impact: heatwave

• Heatwave ‘near impossible without climate change’
• Hottest ever temperatures recorded in the Mediterranean sea: over 28C, a month before usual temperature peaks.
• 26 July: İzmir in Türkiye just recorded its hottest day on record with 43.2°C air temperature.
• 26 July: Hottest recorded temperatures: 40.5C Florya, 43.6C Bandirma (tied)
• 25 July Historic day in Albania, the hottest ever recorded in climatic history. 44.0 Kucova NEW ALL TIME NATIONAL RECORD plus local all time records smashed
• 23 July: Extraordinary heat in Greece and Türkiye with temperatures around 35C/37C almost all night long in some stations of southern Türkiye.

Cascading/human impacts:

25 July: Wildfires spreading in Antalya, Türkiye
Wildfires in Türkiye
Hot enough to cook egg on pavement in Türkiye
Country: Türkiye
Physical impact: floods
9-12 July: heavy rainfall was seen in Samsun and Yerlikaya, where it rained 200 mm within 24 hours. Düzce recorded 223 mm of rainfall, leading to the overflow of the Melen River.
Cascading/human impacts:
12 July: flash floods and landslides left at least one person dead and destroyed various parts of the Black Sea region of Türkiye. More than 1,000 landslides occurred and streets and roads were completely flooded, particularly impacting the cities of Zonguldak and Barton. Interior Minister announced $1.2 million to respond to flood impacts

Countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Niger

Physical impact: heatwave

• Every heatwave that is occurring today has been made more intense and more likely because of climate change
• Hottest ever temperatures recorded in the Mediterranean sea: 28.4C, a month before usual temperature peaks.
• 26 July: 49.3C in Adrar, Algeria
• 26 July: Beni Abbess, Algeria, reached temperatures of 48.8C, its hottest on record.
• 25 July: Tunisia all time records broken on the coast - 49.1C Gabes, 48.8C Enfidha, 48.3C Monastir
• 24 July: Brutally hot in the North African coast with all time records broken, temperatures up to 49C including in Tunis - the highest temperatures ever recorded in coastal areas of Algeria and Tunisia.
• 23 July: Record heat in Algeria and Tunisia. Today the capital Algiers pulverised its all time high again with a monster 48.7C. Extreme heat also 47.8C Tizi Ouzou and 48.1C Chlef. In Tunisia 49.0C at Kairouan, July record. Temperatures about 7C hotter than average for the time of year
• Temperatures reach 49C in capital Tunis
• Temperatures reach 51C in Algeria
• 16 July: 48.1C in Tunisia and few July records.
• 12 July: In Algeria all-time record in the Oran Airport with 46.3C.
• 11 July: Unprecedented heat wave in Algeria with records by dozens every day, including in the capital Algiers - 47.9C in the Airport, its hottest day on record.
• 10 July: Northern Africa is living the worst heat wave of its history, records are obliterated by dozens every day. All time records set in Chlef, Algeria and monthly record set in Fes, Morocco
• 9 July: Monthly and all time records set/tied in Algeria and Tunisia.
• 8 July: Exceptional heat wave in North Africa: Widespread Temperatures between 45C and 50C even near the coast, nights 30C/35C and even close to 40C. In Tunisia the hottest July day on record at Kairouan with 48.4C.
• 7 July: Extreme heat across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, very hot nights and close-to-record temperatures.
• 6 July: The highest nighttime temperature ever recorded in Africa at Adrar, Algeria, at 39.6C
• 4 July: Extreme heat wave in Algeria approaches records with heat at nearly 50C.
• 3 July: Algeria Heat Wave: many places experiencing 45-49C.
• 2 July: Algeria: Today temperatures rose as high as 48.1C at In Salah, 47.6C at Timimoun, 47.5C at Adrar and 47.3C at Tindouf.
• In Niger temperatures reached 47C.

Cascading/human impacts:

• 26 July: fire spreads in Algeria and Tunisia while thousands of firefighters continue trying to contain the flames. Two border crossings closed in Tunisia due to flames, hundred evacuated in Tunisia. Bejaja, east of Algiers, is the worst-hit area, with 23 of the deaths.
• 25 July: Wildfires in Algeria kill at least 34 people, and force thousands to flee homes. Amongst the dead, 10 were soldiers encircled by the flames. Fires burned 15 provinces.
• Threats to agriculture, water supplies.
• Record electricity consumption Algeria
• At least 50 people fainted and one died in Algeria
• In Algeria people stay at home, spend what they can on air conditioning.
• In Algeria it has been possible to make an omelette in the sun.
• Power cut in Egypt to save energy amid heatwave due to high air conditioning use
• In Niger, impacts include sick and dying livestock, heatstroke, exacerbating existing food insecurity, damaging biodiversity.
• About 470 hectares of forest already burned in Tunisia as firefighters tackle blaze

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