Climate Impacts: Global extreme weather events this week

Let's explore the extreme weather events that have unfolded around the world during the week from March 13-19, driven by the rise in global warming.

United States: Storm

Several storms across six US states have killed at least 37 people and swept through the Midwest and South. Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Mississippi were the most affected cities The storms brought a devastating combination of dust storms, tornadoes, wildfires, flash flooding and large hailstones. More than 60 million people were affected by the severe weather, with 68 tornadoes observed over just a few days — an unusually high number for this time of year.

India: Severe heatwave

A severe heatwave has intensified across several states in India, including Jharkhand, Karnataka, West Bengal, Odisha, and Maharashtra with temperatures soaring beyond 40 degree mark and settling well above the normal levels by three to six degrees. The increase in humidity has further added to discomfort across the coastal areas, where feel-like temperatures reached over 40 degrees.

South Africa: Heavy rains and floods

In South Africa, devastating floods in Durban have claimed three lives and caused infrastructural damage exceeding R1.5 billion. With the most recent heavy rain episode, floods over the past three weeks have already claimed 11 lives. Earlier this month, the province was declared a national state of disaster due to rise in extreme weather events.

Malaysia: Floods

Flooding from heavy rainfall displaced over 5,000 people in Malaysia, with the country bracing for further flash floods and thunderstorms in the coming months. At the same time, palm oil stock fell for the 5th consecutive month due to production disruptions caused by the floods.

South America: Ecuador

Ecuador has experienced several episodes of heavy rainfall, triggering flash flooding and landslides. Multiple provinces have declared a 60-day state of emergency. The western provinces of Manabí, Guayas, Los Ríos, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Loja, and Chimborazo saw the maximum impact of these extreme weather events.

Mozambique: Cyclone Jude

Tropical Cyclone Jude battered Mozambique, bringing extremely heavy rainfall and landslides. Over 80,000 households were affected and at least seven people were killed. More than 200 mm of rain was recorded in the span of 24 hours across the coastal districts of Memba, Monapo, Mossuril, Mozambique Island and Nacala. The cyclone became more intense as it tracked through the Mozambique Channel, where sea surface temperatures were close to 30 degree Celsius infusing more energy.

Italy: Floods

Last week, torrential rains triggered flash flooding, landslides, and mudslides in northern parts of Italy. Cities like Florence, Pisa, and Bologna were worst affected and were on red alert.  Florence has recorded more than double its average March rainfall of 61mm in three days. Experts have linked these heavy downpours to a persistent rise in global warming, especially in Europe which is making both heatwaves and extreme rainfall more intense and frequent.