Thousands of high temperature records broken across Africa

Thousands of high temperature records broken across Africa

A wave of exceptionally hot weather has led to the shattering of thousands of temperature records across Africa. Nations from Cameroon to Mauritius have experienced unprecedented heat, marking historic highs for the month of March.

Smokehouse Creek Fire becomes largest wildfire in Texas history and second-largest in U.S.

Smokehouse Creek Fire becomes largest wildfire in Texas history and second-largest in U.S.

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, the Smokehouse Creek Fire expanded beyond 404 686 ha (1 million acres) in Texas, marking it as the largest wildfire in the state’s history. The blaze, which also extended into Oklahoma, has claimed the lives of at least two individuals and continues to pose a significant threat to homes, cattle, and livelihoods in the Texas Panhandle.

Smokehouse Creek Fire rapidly grows to second-largest wildfire in history of Texas

Smokehouse Creek Fire rapidly grows to second-largest wildfire in history of Texas

The Smokehouse Creek Fire started on Monday, February 26, 2024, in Hutchinson County, Texas, amidst adverse weather conditions, and has rapidly grown over the next 2 days to the second-largest wildfire in the state’s history. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster in 60 counties in response to the wildfire, which has only been 3% contained.

Indonesia’s strongest tornado on record

Indonesia’s strongest tornado on record

Last week, Indonesia experienced its strongest tornado on record, injuring at least 33 people and causing extensive damage to hundreds of buildings in the West Java province, according to government officials.

Extreme cold event in BC causes near-total crop failure, Canada

Extreme cold event in BC causes near-total crop failure, Canada

The British Columbia wine industry is bracing for unprecedented crop losses due to an extreme cold event in January 2024, with preliminary estimates forecasting a production decrease of 97 – 99%, resulting in industry-wide revenue losses between $440 – 445 million.

DR Congo declares hydrological and ecological catastrophe

DR Congo declares hydrological and ecological catastrophe

Record flooding of the Congo River has resulted in a catastrophic situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), affecting 15 provinces, leading to over 300 deaths, and impacting at least 304 000 families.

Finland records coldest January temperature since 2006

Finland records coldest January temperature since 2006

Finland experienced its coldest January temperature since 2006 when Enontekiö Airport registered -42.4 °C (-44.3 °F) on January 4, 2024. The severe cold is not isolated to Finland, as nearby regions in Sweden and Norway have also reported record-low temperatures, indicating a widespread Arctic chill across the Nordic countries.

Sweden records lowest January temperature since 1999

Sweden records lowest January temperature since 1999

A severe cold snap has gripped the Nordic region, with Sweden experiencing its coldest January night in 25 years. This extreme weather has caused widespread disruption across Scandinavia, closing schools and halting transport, while Storm Henk brought heavy rain and strong winds to Western Europe, leading to one fatality and widespread damage.