All articles tagged with #rainfall
Forecasters say a strong El Niño could raise global temperatures and reshape precipitation, boosting heat in some regions, drought in others and heavier rainfall elsewhere, signaling more climate extremes this season.
European forecast models now indicate a 100% chance of a “super” El Niño forming by November, potentially the strongest on record. The pattern is expected to dampen Atlantic hurricane activity while bringing wetter fall and winter conditions to the southern U.S. Atlantic tropical activity is likely below average, though Eastern Pacific activity could rise; the season is forecast to have about 13 named storms and 6 hurricanes, roughly near the seasonal average. Forecasters caution that the most significant effects may not be felt until later in the season, with implications for rainfall and drought relief in the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions.
Kenya's rainy season has turned deadly, with 18 people killed and about 54,000 households affected in a week as heavy rains trigger flooding nationwide, with Western Kenya among the hardest hit.
Severe flooding from heavy rainfall hits southern China's Guangxi region, prompting evacuations in Qinzhou and leaving vehicles submerged.
Chicago is experiencing its wettest start to meteorological spring on record, with rainfall surpassing typical seasonal totals and ending a multi-year drought. Through mid-April, more than 10 inches of rain have fallen this spring (about 5.47 inches in April so far, on top of March’s 4.54 inches), pushing the season well above normal and, per meteorologists, into historic territory. The heavy rains have flooded basements and streets, triggering hundreds of 311 calls, especially in the Far Northwest Side, with forecasters warning of more rain before a cooler, drier spell arrives.
Storms on Tuesday dumped 2.43 inches of rain at O’Hare, triggering widespread flooding on Chicago’s Northwest Side, including flooded basements and streets. More rain is forecast, with a flood watch in effect until early Thursday and the potential for another 1–2 inches by Saturday. City officials logged thousands of 3-1-1 calls for flooding, and residents report ongoing damage. Experts and advocates call for long-term fixes like underground holding tanks and green infrastructure to mitigate increasing rainfall and flood risk.
Forecasters warn a potentially historic super El Niño could develop by fall, with NOAA predicting a >90% chance of El Niño and up to a 50% chance it will be strong; if it arrives, Southern California could see a wetter winter that replenishes water supplies but raises the risk of floods, debris flows and coastal erosion, even as it may reduce wildfire risk. Forecasters caution that even strong El Niños don’t always deliver predictable weather, citing past events (1982-83, 1997-98) that varied widely in rainfall. The pattern is tied to warmer Pacific waters and altered jet streams, and climate change could be intensifying swings; impacts may extend to marine life as warmer seas affect plankton and sea lion rookeries along the Channel Islands. More clarity is expected between May and June as models improve.
Another tropical storm is forecast to drench Hawaii with 3–15 inches of rain through Friday, triggering a statewide flood watch as soils saturated by March’s deluge raise the risk of flooding and landslides; Kauai is expected to take the heaviest hit first, followed by Oahu, Maui and the Big Island, with gusts over 60 mph and moisture lingering into the weekend after March’s record rain caused evacuations and more than a billion dollars in damage.
A potent Kona storm is bringing heavy rain to Hawaii, renewing flood fears two weeks after the state suffered its worst flooding in 20 years. Forecasters expect about 4–8 inches of rain statewide, with heavier bands over 10 inches possible, threatening Oahu, the Big Island, and Kauai. A flood watch remains through Friday, and Honolulu will activate its Emergency Operations Center with first responders deployed to vulnerable areas, as evacuations may become necessary. This marks the third Kona storm to hit Hawaii since mid-March, following March floods that dumped a foot of rain on Oahu and caused hundreds of rescues; some locations recorded up to 25 inches in a 24-hour period.
Two back-to-back storms drenched Hawaii with up to 50 inches of rain, driving about $1 billion in damages and prompting hundreds of rescues and mass evacuations across Oahu and Maui; officials say the flooding is the worst since 2004, with ongoing road closures, dam monitoring by the National Guard at Wahiawa, and advisories to avoid driving through deep water, while the White House has offered support and there have been no reported fatalities so far.
A Kona Low storm dumped extreme rainfall across Oahu and Maui, triggering a statewide flood watch and mass evacuations—more than 230 people rescued and thousands displaced—as authorities warn that saturated ground means even less rain could trigger dangerous floods; a dam near Honolulu is at risk of collapse, and damages could exceed $1 billion, marking Hawaii’s worst flood in 20 years.
Hawaii is experiencing its worst flooding in more than 20 years, with heavy rain threatening the Wahiawa dam and prompting evacuations for about 5,500 people on Oahu’s North Shore; officials warn of possible dam failure as more rain is forecast, and Governor Green says storm costs could exceed $1 billion, with federal aid being pursued.
Hawaii endures a record-breaking wet spell as Kona lows and linked storms push rainfall to historic highs across the islands; official airport data show February–March totals well above norms (Honolulu about 12.34 inches, Kahului ~18.9, Līhuʻe ~14.87, Hilo over 26.5), with several daily records and flooding reported, and more rain forecast.
A rare, expansive wildflower bloom has transformed Death Valley National Park after above-average fall and winter rainfall, marking the most extensive bloom in ten years. Blooms are visible at low elevations along Badwater Road with higher-elevation blossoms expected later, and visitors are urged to stay on trails to protect the fragile desert habitat.
A series of heavy storms will drench the parched U.S. West with widespread rain and mountain snow, starting this weekend in Northern California and parts of Oregon, as a strong low-pressure system moves ashore around the San Francisco Bay Area by Monday, bringing gusty winds and broad precipitation.