Is crazy weather around the world becoming the new normal? It appears to be that way, as normal patterns have turned upside down, and there’s no indication this will change any time soon. True, this has been happening gradually for years, but now it’s both more frequent and more intense.
What’s the explanation? How long will this persist? No one knows for sure, but if meteorologists’ long-term forecasts are even partially correct, the US and much of the rest of the world should prepare for a rough ride in the months ahead.
A report on Fox Weather in early January 2024 summed up the situation this way: “If climatology tells us anything about the future, 2024 will be full of extreme weather from coast to coast.” Weather services in other countries have come to the same conclusion. And with nearly half of 2024 now in the record books, so far, the Fox forecast is right on. Many regions of the world are experiencing extreme droughts, unbearable heat, and powerful storms even in places that shouldn’t be getting any rain at all this late in the season. More importantly, these conditions have caused numerous deaths, injuries and significant financial losses.
Around The World
In the last few weeks alone, extreme weather has impacted at least four regions that are practically on opposite ends of the world from each other: Brazil, Texas, Vietnam, and Indonesia. These areas have suffered from exceptional heat, floods, and mudslides that have claimed lives, destroyed property, and have broken records.
The Rio Grande in Southern Brazil, which borders Argentina and Uruguay, was hit by its worst flooding in 80 years according to the Brazilian Geological Service. This caused the partial collapse of a dam and a bridge was swept away. Even worse, dozens of people died, even more are missing and at least 80,000 are now homeless.
In Texas, more than a million people lost power due to flooding and unusually heavy rains – despite extensive efforts to keep electricity flowing under any circumstances; many of them could remain without power for weeks. Severe flooding and landslides in Indonesia also caused deaths and damage. A heat wave in Vietnam broke more than 100 records in areas around the country, and more extreme heat was predicted for the weeks ahead.
And Two Even Worse
Two other weather events have captured even more attention because of their unprecedented intensity and the suffering they brought. These took place just a few weeks ago in China and India and they may not be over.
Both are heat waves. China has been experiencing extreme weather for some time now – relentless rains and flooding probably are the best known – but there have also been other issues.
For example, in 2023, China experienced some of the hottest weather since 1850, and Beijing and other major cities baked in record heat. But in December, just a few months later, there was a cold spell so harsh that parts of the country essentially froze for two weeks. There were also very powerful typhoons, record rainfalls, and widespread flooding.
In late 2023, China’s National Climate Center predicted that 2024 may be an even hotter year, and that extreme weather would be more frequent and powerful. Well, they got that right! China and other countries in the region were the targets of an exceptionally powerful heat wave that saw temperatures climb above 111 degrees Fahrenheit and that was accompanied by especially high humidity.
Meanwhile, nearby India is trying to cope with its own weather woes. Temps in some parts of the country have soared above 122 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s unbearable even for places that are accustomed to incredible heat. That led some people to wonder whether temperatures were becoming too high to survive.
The heat forced entire neighborhoods to shelter indoors as much as possible, Firstpost reported. As a result, “heavily populated neighborhoods are starting to look like ghost towns, streets are deserted, parks are empty and quiet. Nobody with a choice ventures outside. That’s what it looks like now in some parts of India.”
This unprecedented heat is occurring in many areas, including some of India’s major cities, and even places that are typically cooler are recording all-time high temperatures.
Hottest Ever?
It’s winter now in the southern hemisphere, and so far, it’s been an unusually warm one. And in the northern hemisphere, where summer is setting in, already there has been record-breaking heat, with Africa and Asia taking the brunt of that.
Some Europeans, however, would take exception to that. According to the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, 2023 was the hottest year on record on the continent, with each of the last 11 months the hottest for that particular month. And the hottest day ever recorded in Europe occurred in July of last year.
Well, there are some Americans who would take issue with that, because the weather in some parts of the country, particularly in the southwest, has been nothing short of brutal. Last year, a weather phenomenon called a “heat dome” was responsible for dozens of deaths. A heat dome traps heat, blocks weather systems that would bring relief, and sometimes lingers for weeks. This year, another dome has formed out west, sending temps in some locations well into the triple digits.
Beyond Hot
Increasing temperatures are creating related problems because it enables the atmosphere to hold more moisture, which means rains could be heavier than they otherwise would be, adding to the risk of flooding, according to Sjoukje Philip, a researcher at Royal Netherlands Institute. And that may cause mold to grow on buildings and other property and even lead to power, gas, and water outages, pollute fresh water, and still more.
Last summer, ocean temperatures hit record highs, and this year the Atlantic is making new highs again. Experts warn these conditions provide fertile grounds for hurricanes to intensify – something to keep an eye on this hurricane season. They also could endanger the delicate marine ecosystems and by extension other parts of the food chain.
There are various ways for investors to invest when climate change becomes a major issue. “Many funds and companies are investing in alternative energies, such as solar and wind power that can replace fossil fuels,” according to Investopedia. However, these also are subject to risk, just as all investments are. In the past, some, but not all, were profitable, but some actually folded. In any case, they are certainly not a sure thing so caution is warranted.
On a related note, some forecasters say this summer could be an especially hot one in the US, so make sure your AC and fans are in good working condition. Also, whether or not you’re planning to travel, have contingency plans in case the power goes out. These days, that’s not being a worrywart – it’s just good sense.
Sources: accuweather.com; dw.com; europa.eu; firstpost.com; france24.com; investopedia.com; todayonline.com; YouTube: Will This Be The Hottest Summer Even In Europe?
Gerald Harris is a financial and feature writer. Gerald can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
