5 unprecedented extreme weather change events in 2024 so far
In recent weeks, significant shifts in weather patterns and extreme environmental conditions have been observed.
While some experts attribute these changes to human-induced climate change, the El Niño phenomenon also plays a significant role. Let’s take a look at the weather newsmakers of 2024 so far:
1. Brazil rains and floods
Rains have returned to flood-hit southern Brazil as heavy showers, lightning, and strong winds, worsen an already dire situation. The catastrophe has claimed the lives of at least 100 individuals, with over 163,000 seeking refuge, 130 individuals missing, and more than 230,000 displaced. Much of the region remains cut off by floodwaters. The floods, triggered by unusually heavy rainfall, began last week, causing extensive damage to highways and bridges in Rio Grande do Sul state.
2. Heatwave in India
As the world’s largest democracy is undergoing elections, the heatwave in India is majorly affecting voter turnout. Nandyala and Kadapa, located in Andhra Pradesh, reached a record-breaking temperature of 46.3 degrees Celsius. In Maharashtra, Union minister Nitin Gadkari collapsed during a campaign event. Additionally, a presiding officer at a polling booth in Bihar succumbed to heatstroke. Across Asia, an intense heatwave has led to fatalities in Thailand, and record-breaking temperatures in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Maldives, and Myanmar. Many African countries are also experiencing scorching temperatures, with Herrera city in Mali reaching 47.5 degrees Celsius.
3. UAE rains
On April 16, the United Arab Emirates experienced unprecedented rainfall, the heaviest in 75 years, causing flooding on major highways and leaving cars stranded in Dubai. The downpour started overnight, resulting in large pools of water on the streets and disrupting flights at Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest hub for international travel. Additionally, heavy flooding in Oman claimed the lives of 18 individuals, around the same time.
4. Kenya floods
Brazil floods, Extreme weather events, Heatwave in India, UAE rainfall, Kenya floods, South China tornado, Climate change impacts, El Niño weather patterns, Flood disasters, Extreme heatwaves A lodge is seen in the flooded Maasai Mara National Reserve, which left dozens of tourists stranded in Narok County, Kenya, Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Kenya, along with other parts of East Africa, has been overwhelmed by flooding.
Early this month, number of people killed by flooding and other impacts of the heavy rains battering Kenya rose to 228, the interior ministry. The torrential rains that caused widespread flooding and landslides across the country in recent weeks are forecast to worsen in May. At least 164 people have been injured by the adverse weather, while 212,630 have been displaced across the country.
5. South China floods
Brazil floods, Extreme weather events, Heatwave in India, UAE rainfall, Kenya floods, South China tornado, Climate change impacts, El Niño weather patterns, Flood disasters, Extreme heatwaves An aerial view shows damaged buildings in the aftermath of a tornado in Guangming Village of Zhongluotan Town, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, Sunday, April 28, 2024.
The Chinese state media reported that a tornado struck Guangzhou city at the end of April, resulting in at least five fatalities and 33 injuries. The extreme weather event affected the country’s industrial heartland, damaging approximately 140 factories in the capital of Guangdong province. According to Reuters, the intense weather in southern China was attributed to a stronger-than-normal subtropical high, a semi-permanent high-pressure system located north of the equator.