As Hurricane Beryl wreaks havoc in Texas and scorching temperatures grip the U.S. South and West, the planet is bracing for yet another week of erratic weather patterns exacerbated by human-induced climate change. Beryl, hitting Texas near Matagorda, stands as the earliest storm on record to reach Category 5 hurricane wind speeds due to unusually warm ocean temperatures this June, a preview of what is typically seen in September.
The scorching heatwave continues to engulf parts of the United States, with an excessive heat warning impacting around 36 million people, setting various heat records ablaze. This heatwave is part of a global trend of rising temperatures, with June marking the 13th consecutive month to break monthly heat records, according to Europe’s Copernicus climate service. The impacts of this severe heat are not uniformly felt, as reports reveal disparities in heat-related mortality rates among different racial groups.
Elsewhere, landslides in Indonesia have claimed several lives, while monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc in India, notably in Mumbai and Assam state. South Africa is preparing for destructive storms forecasted to hit Cape Town and surrounding areas, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding. Vulnerable communities, particularly informal settlements, are expected to bear the brunt of these extreme weather events.
For those unfamiliar with weather terminology amidst these turbulent times, a glossary of extreme weather terms is available to provide clarity. The brutal reality of this climatic chaos is exemplified by Matthew Lamar, a Park Ranger at Death Valley National Park, describing the scorching 128-degree Fahrenheit temperatures as akin to stepping into an oven. The Associated Press, through its climate and environmental coverage, receives financial support from various private foundations, maintaining sole responsibility for all content produced.
