Volcanic sulfur dioxide emissions from Iceland reach continental Europe

Volcanic sulfur dioxide emissions from Iceland reach continental Europe

The volcanic eruption that started in Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland on March 16, 2024, continues at a fairly constant rate, marking the most substantial activity in the region with four registered eruptions since December 2023. This event has caught the attention of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) due to the large volumes of sulfur dioxide (SO2) released into the atmosphere.

Fairly constant rate of eruption at Reykjanes, Iceland

Fairly constant rate of eruption at Reykjanes, Iceland

A fissure eruption that started on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland on March 16, 2024, continues at a fairly constant rate, with an average lava flow from the craters of about 14.5 m3 per second (512 feet3/s) from March 17 to 20. About 700 people at the Blue Lagoon spa and several in the town of Grindavík were evacuated within a 30-minute period after the start of the eruption.

WMO declares 2023 as the hottest year on record ahead of the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial

WMO declares 2023 as the hottest year on record ahead of the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its “State of the Global Climate 2023” report on March 19, 2024, confirming 2023 as the warmest year on record. The report is published ahead of the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial on March 21 and 22, where climate leaders and ministers from around the world will gather to push for accelerated climate action.

Extreme flooding in Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Extreme flooding in Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Heavy rainfall affecting the Kurdistan Region of Iraq on March 19, 2024, caused extreme flooding in the Duhok Governorate, leading to the deaths of at least two people and damage to dozens of homes.

Category 3 Tropical Cyclone “Megan” hits Gulf of Carpentaria, stranding residents of Borroloola

Category 3 Tropical Cyclone “Megan” hits Gulf of Carpentaria, stranding residents of Borroloola

Category 3 Tropical Cyclone “Megan” made landfall near Borroloola, the southwestern Gulf of Carpentaria coast, at approximately 06:00 UTC on March 18, 2024. At the time of the landfall, the system had a minimum pressure of 976.1 hPa and 1-minute sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph). Megan is the 5th named storm of the 2023/24 Australian region cyclone season.

Severe wildfires in southern China claim 4 lives, spawn huge pyroCb clouds

Severe wildfires in southern China claim 4 lives, spawn huge pyroCb clouds

Devastating wildfires have swept through Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces in southern China since March 15, 2024, claiming four lives in Yunnan and leading to significant evacuations and damage. Reports from March 18 indicate that nearly 4 900 individuals have been evacuated in Sichuan’s Yajiang County alone, with the fires ravaging over 10 000 ha (24 710 acres) of land.

Rio De Janeiro hits record 62.3 °C (144.14 °F) thermal sensation, Brazil

Rio De Janeiro hits record 62.3 °C (144.14 °F) thermal sensation, Brazil

Guaratiba, a neighborhood on Rio De Janeiro’s west side, recorded a thermal sensation of 62.3 °C (144.14 °F) at 09:55 LT on Sunday, March 17, 2024, marking the highest value since the Rio Alert System’s inception in 2014. The intense heat, exacerbated by high humidity, has led to increased beach and pool attendance amidst reports of water shortages.

Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge

A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 21:10 UTC on March 14, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.