NCEI scientists warn of weakening Atlantic Ocean currents, profound implications on global climate patterns

NCEI scientists warn of weakening Atlantic Ocean currents, profound implications on global climate patterns

Scientists from the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and the University of Maryland have provided evidence of a significant slowdown in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a key climate regulator. Published in Frontiers in Marine Science, the research utilized over six decades of oceanic data to track the health of this vital oceanic component. This slowdown, observed primarily in the last two decades, could have profound implications on global climate patterns.

Flooding situation in Nairobi escalates to extreme levels, Kenya

Flooding situation in Nairobi escalates to extreme levels, Kenya

Kenya is facing a severe flood crisis with 38 confirmed deaths and more than 40 000 displaced due to continuous heavy rains since mid-March 2024. The floods have particularly devastated Nairobi and surrounding regions, prompting urgent national emergency responses.

Historic drought impacting over 1 million ha (2.5 million acres) of crops, Zambia

Historic drought impacting over 1 million ha (2.5 million acres) of crops, Zambia

Zambia is in the throes of an unprecedented drought, prompted by El Niño, resulting in the driest February recorded since 1981. This natural disaster has compelled the President to declare a state of emergency, with 84 districts suffering and over 1 million ha (2.47 million acres) of crops devastated, causing widespread shortages in essential resources including food and water.

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.