Bahía Blanca, Argentina, set a new rainfall record with over 400mm falling in eight hours, causing significant flooding and ten deaths. Similar flooding occurred in Java, Indonesia, where cloud-seeding technology was utilized to redirect rain. Eastern Europe anticipates temperatures 5-15C above average, leading to dust transport and visibility issues.
Bahía Blanca in Argentina experienced an unprecedented rainfall event on Friday, with over 400mm (15.7in) of rain falling within eight hours. This amount exceeds the city’s prior record of 175mm set in 1930 and is comparable to an entire year’s worth of rain. A recent heatwave contributed to atmospheric instability and heightened humidity, which facilitated this extreme weather event. Subsequently, a cold front moved through, leading to thunderstorms and further adverse weather conditions as it approached Buenos Aires over the weekend.
The extreme weather has resulted in tragic consequences, with ten reported fatalities in Bahía Blanca and over 1,300 individuals evacuated. Flash flooding caused significant destruction, sweeping vehicles away, obliterating bridges, and inundating portions of the city with more than two meters of water. In a related situation, Indonesia’s Java island also faced flash flooding, prompting local authorities to utilize cloud-seeding technology in an attempt to mitigate the rainfall’s impact on Jakarta.
Cloud seeding involves the introduction of nuclei into the atmosphere that promote water vapor condensation and cloud formation, thereby influencing rainfall patterns. Indonesian officials have strategically released these nuclei over ocean areas, aiming to direct rainfall away from land. This experimental method has shown varying levels of effectiveness, and its outcomes are under scrutiny. Heavy rainfall is anticipated to persist throughout the week in Java, raising the risk of additional flooding.
In Eastern Europe, a notable temperature increase is expected as the region is influenced by a warmer south-westerly airflow. Temperatures may rise 5-15C above seasonal averages, reaching mid-to-high 20s Celsius in areas like Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece. This warm air mass, originating from Africa, will also carry dust across the Mediterranean, potentially reducing visibility and increasing the likelihood of fog formation.
In conclusion, the recent weather events highlight the severe impacts of climate patterns, with Bahía Blanca experiencing record rainfall resulting in fatalities and extensive damage. Indonesia’s attempts to manage heavy rainfall via cloud seeding further exemplify the challenges posed by extreme weather. As Eastern Europe anticipates warmer conditions, the interplay between temperature, humidity, and dust transport presents additional concerns for visibility and weather patterns in the region.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
