Flooding triggered by heavy rainfall across Malawi between March 15 and 18, 2026, affected 9 598 households, displaced 128 households, and left 13 people dead and 35 injured, according to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA). Preliminary impacts were reported across 16 districts and city councils, with 12 evacuation camps established and road access disrupted in several areas.
Multiple Red Flag Warnings are in effect across parts of the High Plains through March 21, 2026, as very low humidity, gusty winds, and anomalously warm temperatures support critical fire weather conditions. The National Weather Service warns that any fires that develop could spread rapidly and erratically.
New activity/unrest was reported for 7 volcanoes from March 12 to 18, 2026. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 20 volcanoes.
Tropical Cyclone Narelle made landfall over the Queensland coast at 07:00 AEST on March 20 (21:00 UTC on March 19), as a high-end Category 4 system after briefly reaching Category 5 intensity a day earlier. The cyclone crossed the coast approximately 75 km (47 miles) south of Lockhart River, weakened to Category 2 by the afternoon, and began moving offshore toward the Gulf of Carpentaria. Destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding were reported across affected areas.
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit 100 km (62.5 miles) WNW of Isangel, Vanuatu, at 02:30 UTC on March 20, 2026. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). This is the second M6+ earthquake of the day, following M6.6 in the South Shetland Islands at 00:22 UTC.
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.6 hit the South Shetland Islands at 00:22 UTC on March 20, 2026. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 4.9 km (3 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Over USD 3 billion worth of crop losses were reported across Florida due to freeze conditions triggered by winter storms Ezra and Gianna, between December 30, 2025 and February 4, 2026. The freeze affected 66 of the state’s 67 counties and impacted multiple agricultural sectors during peak production periods
Severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain and gusty winds struck Karachi, Pakistan overnight on March 18–19, 2026, killing at least 19 people and injuring more than 50. The deadliest incident occurred in Mawachh Goth, Baldia, where a wall collapse killed 13 people, while six others died in separate rain-related incidents across the city. Authorities launched rescue and medical response operations.
A second Kona low is expected to affect the Hawaiian Islands beginning the evening of March 19, 2026, bringing additional rainfall to areas already impacted by record-breaking flooding from a previous storm. A Flood Watch is in effect from 18:00 LT on March 19 through 18:00 LT on March 22 for Maui County, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Storm Therese began affecting the Canary Islands, Spain, on March 19, 2026, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, rough seas, and snowfall at high elevations. The severe weather is forecast to persist until at least March 2, with rainfall totals of over 300 mm (12 inches) being forecast in parts of La Palma and Tenerife, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides. Meanwhile, wind gusts above 90 km/h (56 mph) and waves over 5 m (16 feet) are expected.
