All articles tagged with #weather and climate
Storm Adam, a cut-off low-pressure system known as a DANA, has delivered historic rainfall to Spain's eastern coast, with some areas receiving over 700mm in 12 hours. The storm has caused severe flooding, evacuations, and at least two deaths, prompting red and orange alerts across Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, and the Balearic Islands.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel caused severe damage to Southern California’s coastline over the weekend, destroying homes and infrastructure in Long Beach and Newport Beach. The event was exacerbated by a historic El Niño, which is expected to bring prolonged severe weather to the region. While Long Beach faced significant structural damage and evacuations, Newport Beach successfully mitigated damage through proactive measures. Las Vegas also recorded a historic October rainfall total due to the storm's inland reach.
Tropical Storm Rachel is set to make landfall near the California-Mexico border on Sunday, bringing severe coastal flooding to Southern California. The storm’s impact is amplified by a record-breaking El Niño and a Kelvin wave, which have raised ocean temperatures and tides. Significant flooding has already occurred in Newport Beach and Long Beach, with more damage expected through Tuesday.
Newport Beach declared a local emergency on October 9, 2026, after ocean water surged onto the Balboa Peninsula, submerging streets and threatening homes. The event was driven by a combination of high tides, a south-facing swell from Tropical Storm Rachel, and a planetary-scale Kelvin wave associated with a record-breaking El Niño. While water receded by mid-afternoon, officials warn that conditions will worsen through the weekend, with tides potentially reaching 1.5 feet above astronomical charts. The city deployed crews to rebuild sand berms and pump out standing water, while neighboring Long Beach issued evacuation orders for beachfront homes due to similar surge impacts.
A historically strong polar vortex and a record-breaking El Niño are shaping the 2026 winter outlook, with most forecasters expecting milder temperatures for much of the United States despite risks of cold outbreaks if the vortex weakens.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on September 21, 2026, to mobilize resources against a developing 'super El Niño' that is already breaking temperature records. Forecasters predict a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event, with a 75% probability it will be the strongest on record. The phenomenon is expected to raise sea levels by several inches and increase the frequency of severe storms, landslides, and coastal flooding across California, particularly in vulnerable low-lying areas of San Diego County.
Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency on Sept. 21, 2026, to mobilize resources ahead of a potentially historic El Niño. The declaration streamlines procurement for flood supplies, National Guard support, and infrastructure protection as forecasters predict a very strong event with a 75% chance of reaching record intensity.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has reached a historic milestone, becoming the first in reliable records to pass September 11 without a single hurricane forming. As of mid-September, only five named tropical storms have developed, none reaching hurricane strength. This unprecedented calm is attributed to a 'very strong' El Niño event, which has generated intense wind shear and Saharan dust that suppress storm development in the Atlantic. While the White House has claimed credit for the quiet season, meteorologists emphasize that the season officially runs through November, and late-season storms remain possible. The current inactivity aligns with NOAA’s prediction of below-normal activity, though the broader climate implications of the El Niño, including potential record global temperatures in 2027, remain a significant concern.
A massive coastally trapped Kelvin wave, driven by a strengthening El Niño, is moving north along the Pacific coast. It is expected to raise sea levels along California’s coastline by 6 to 12 inches by late October, significantly increasing the risk of coastal flooding, beach erosion, and marine heatwaves.
Remnants of Hurricane Marie triggered severe coastal damage across Southern California, destroying sections of the Long Beach boardwalk and forcing evacuations. Experts warn this is a preview of a stronger El Niño winter, prompting cities to fortify defenses and accelerate dredging projects.
Los Angeles County officials are preparing for a potentially historic El Niño season, with a 90% chance of strong conditions. The event coincides with high tides and rising sea levels, increasing coastal and inland flood risks. County departments are inspecting infrastructure and urging residents to secure flood insurance and clear drains.
A strengthening 'super' El Niño is expected to raise sea levels along the California coast by up to a foot, coinciding with peak lunar 'king tides' in late 2026. This convergence creates a high risk of record-breaking coastal flooding, erosion, and infrastructure damage, particularly in low-lying areas of Southern and Northern California. Local agencies are preparing emergency measures, including sandbag distribution and advanced storm tracking, while experts warn that the combination of higher baseline sea levels and extreme tides could overwhelm coastal defenses.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico will present a comprehensive sargassum management agreement after talks with Quintana Roo's tourism sector to tackle a record-season bloom that has already produced over 92,000 tons and is projected to reach 119,000 by year’s end. Eight coastal municipalities are on alert as beaches close or cost of cleanup rises (hotels alone spend about $150 million annually; sargassum management may amount to ~11% of the state’s GDP). The plan includes more offshore vessels to intercept seaweed, expanded processing and recycling, and a coordinated rollout to position Mexico as an international benchmark; details are set to be announced at the Mañanera.
This article discusses the recent surge in flash floods across the U.S., driven by climate change-induced increased moisture and storm activity, with over 3,000 warnings issued this year, and highlights the quiet tropical Atlantic with no current storm development expected.
Elected leaders express concern that potential budget cuts to FEMA and NOAA could weaken the US government's ability to respond effectively to major weather events, amid ongoing debates about the future of federal emergency response agencies following recent flooding in Texas.