Weather Tracker: Severe Flooding in Mexico and India; Europe…

Hurricane John has caused severe flooding in Mexico after intensifying into a category 3 hurricane, subsequently weakening but predicted to bring more rainfall. In India, Pune has faced unprecedented rainfall for late September, resulting in significant flooding. Europe anticipates a cold wave that may leave temperatures 5-10 °C below average, highlighting the variability of weather patterns globally.

On Monday, Hurricane John made landfall on the southern Pacific coast of Mexico, escalating from a tropical storm to a category 3 hurricane within a remarkably short time frame of less than 24 hours. Upon striking the coastline with sustained winds reaching 120 mph, Hurricane John generated destructive storm surges. However, by Tuesday morning, John had weakened back down to a tropical storm, with sustained winds diminishing to 50 mph. The hurricane’s slow movement resulted in extensive rainfall exceeding 400 mm over a few days, which caused significant flooding and mudslides, tragically resulting in the loss of two lives. Having moved slightly eastward back into the ocean, Hurricane John is anticipated to strengthen again and regain hurricane status as it continues its slow northeastern path along the Mexican coast, potentially delivering further heavy rainfall. Forecasts suggest that some regions in southwestern Mexico could receive more than 700 mm of rain within a week, with additional rain and heavy showers expected throughout the upcoming weekend. Meanwhile, India is grappling with severe flooding in Pune, located in the western state of Maharashtra. This week, the city experienced its third wettest day in September since 1901, with over 130 mm of rain falling within a 24-hour period. While such precipitation is typical during the monsoon months of June, July, and August, it is rare for late September. The delay in the retreat of the monsoon season in recent years has led to heightened instances of late September rainfall. The recent heavy precipitation can be attributed to an influx of moisture from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, and a low-pressure system affecting the region. Further heavy rain is predicted in the days ahead. In Europe, a new wave of cold weather is forecasted to impact northern and western regions this week, occurring less than two weeks after the last cold spell. As a low-pressure front moves eastward, it is expected that Arctic air will migrate southward, possibly reaching Portugal by Friday. Temperatures across much of northern, western, and parts of central Europe are expected to drop to levels 5-10 °C below the seasonal average as the weekend approaches. Although temperatures may return to near average briefly next week, they are projected to dip below normal levels again by mid-week.

The current meteorological events highlight the intensifying nature of tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly in hurricane-prone areas like the Pacific coast of Mexico. The rapid escalation and subsequent weakening of Hurricane John exemplify the unpredictable behavior of these storms. Additionally, the increased frequency of late-season monsoon rains in India reflects changing climatic patterns, emphasizing the need for adaptive measures in flood management. In Europe, the cold weather patterns reveal cyclical seasonal variations that impact local climate, challenging the preparedness of different regions as they transition into the colder months.

The recent weather events in Mexico, India, and Europe underscore the volatility of climatic conditions and their direct impacts on communities. Mexico braces for further rainfall and potential flooding as Hurricane John approaches land again, while India faces the repercussions of unusual monsoon activity. Concurrently, Europe prepares for temperatures significantly below average, serving as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of weather systems worldwide.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com