Hurricane John struck southern Mexico, intensifying to a category 3 hurricane and causing significant flooding and fatalities before weakening to a tropical storm. Pune, India faced unprecedented late September rain, leading to severe flooding. Meanwhile, Europe braced for another cold front, with temperatures expected to fall below seasonal averages across many regions.
On Monday, Hurricane John made its presence felt on the southern Pacific coast of Mexico, escalating from a tropical storm to a category 3 hurricane within a mere span of 24 hours. Upon making landfall, it recorded sustained winds of 120 mph, leading to disastrous storm surges. However, by Tuesday morning, the hurricane had significantly weakened, reverting to a tropical storm with winds dropping to 50 mph. The slow movement of John contributed to an extraordinary rainfall, totaling more than 400 mm over a few days, which in turn triggered widespread flooding and mudslides resulting in two fatalities. As Hurricane John shifted slightly eastward out to sea, forecasts indicate potential re-strengthening, which could elevate it back to hurricane status as it continues its slow north-east trajectory along the Mexican coast, again threatening heavy rainfall. Predictions suggest that parts of southern Mexico may accumulate more than 700 mm of rain in excess over the week. In parallel, severe flooding has also affected Pune, a city located in the western state of Maharashtra, India. This week, the city experienced its third wettest day in September since 1901, as over 130 mm of rain fell within a 24-hour timeframe. While such precipitation amounts are generally expected during the monsoon season spanning June to August, the occurrence in late September is becoming less uncommon due to a sluggish retreat of the monsoon in recent years. This week’s intense rainfall is attributed to an accumulation of moisture from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, accompanied by a prevailing low-pressure system in the region. Additional heavy rain is anticipated in the upcoming days. In Europe, a new wave of cold weather is poised to impact northern and western regions. This development occurs less than two weeks following the last cold episode. As the existing low-pressure system moves eastward, a northerly airflow will usher in frigid Arctic air, extending its reach into Portugal by Friday. It is projected that this cold snap will result in temperatures ranging from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average across many areas of northern, western, and parts of central Europe as the week progresses. While a temporary return to average temperatures is expected next week, another drop below seasonal norms is anticipated by the midweek mark.
The article addresses significant weather events affecting various regions, highlighting the impact of Hurricane John on Mexico, unusual rainy patterns in Pune, India, and an impending cold spell across Europe. Natural disasters such as severe hurricanes and heavy rainfall pose considerable threats to social infrastructure, while cold spells can affect daily life and the environment, especially in regions unaccustomed to such temperatures during certain seasons. The discussion sheds light on how climate changes are influencing weather patterns globally, with some regions experiencing extreme weather phenomena including flooding and unexpected seasonal cold.
In summation, Hurricane John has wreaked havoc on southern Mexico, leading to severe flooding and fatalities, while Pune, India has recorded significant rainfall uncharacteristic for late September, exacerbating flooding woes. Concurrently, Europe prepares for another cold front, anticipated to bring below-average temperatures across many regions. These occurrences underscore the intensifying effects of climate change on global weather patterns, demonstrating the need for renewed focus on preparedness and response strategies in the face of increasing weather-related events.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
