On Sunday, December 17, 2023, Australian authorities issued a critical warning for thousands in north Queensland to move to higher ground due to the imminent threat of flooding from heavy rains.
A major solar event occurred on December 14, 2023, when a powerful solar flare measuring X2.8 erupted from Active Region 3514. This event, which started at 16:47 and ended at 17:12 UTC, is the strongest solar flare since September 10, 2017, and the strongest solar flare of the current Solar Cycle.
Category 2 Tropical Cyclone “Jasper” made landfall over the Far North Queensland coast, Australia at around 07:00 UTC on December 13, 2023, with sustained winds near the center of 100 km/h (62 mph) and gusts to 140 km/h (85 mph).
A series of destructive tornadoes swept through Tennessee on December 9, 2023, hitting areas including Nashville and Clarksville. At least 6 people have been killed, including two adults and one child in Montgomery County, and more than 23 people were injured. The tornadoes caused extensive property damage, downed trees and power lines, and led to widespread power outages, affecting thousands of residents across the state.
A powerful atmospheric river has brought record-breaking rainfall to Washington and Oregon, causing widespread flooding and two fatalities as of December 5. The National Weather Service forecasts the storms to continue until December 7. Notable impacts include record river levels, such as the Stillaguamish River reaching a historic 6.50 m (21.34 feet), and extensive property damage across both states.
After wreaking havoc in Chennai with torrential rains, Tropical Cyclone “Michaung” made landfall in Andhra Pradesh’s Bapatla on December 5, 2023. The cyclone, the first to hit the state’s coast since 2021, has caused significant disruptions, including eight fatalities in Chennai. Authorities are conducting rescue operations amid continued heavy rainfall in the region.
A high-level eruption started at Indonesia’s Marapi volcano at 08:00 UTC on December 3, 2023. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Red.
A powerful earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.6 hit near the coast of Mindanao, Philippines at 14:37 UTC on December 2, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 32.8 km (20.4 miles).
Munich woke up to a record-breaking snowfall of 50 cm (1.6 feet) on December 2, 2023, marking the city’s heaviest snowfall in two decades. The German Weather Service had previously issued Level 2 and Level 3 weather warnings for heavy snowfall in southern Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg, leading to significant disruptions in air travel and ground transportation.
Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, once again showcased its might with a striking paroxysmal eruption on the evening of December 1, 2023. The eruption was characterized by spectacular lava fountains and intense volcanic activity, visible from great distances and capturing widespread attention.
