Severe Weather Overview: Storm Bora and Global Weather Patterns
Storm Bora severely impacted Greece with torrential rains and strong winds, particularly affecting Rhodes and Lemnos, leading to a state of emergency. Meanwhile, Australia faces intense thunderstorms causing significant rainfall, while South America experiences severe weather following a cyclone.
Storm Bora has wreaked havoc in Greece, particularly affecting the islands of Rhodes and Lemnos with torrential rain, gale-force winds, and severe thunderstorms. Forming on Friday, November 29, the storm quickly intensified by Saturday, generating wind speeds reaching up to 80 mph. Rhodes experienced a staggering 300 mm of rain, resulting in flash floods, power outages, school closures, disrupted transportation, and sadly, three fatalities. The local authorities have declared a state of emergency as further heavy rainfall is anticipated in the coming days.
The origins of Storm Bora can be traced back to a low-pressure system situated over the Ionian Sea, which moved across Greece. December is characteristically the wettest month for Greece, and Storm Bora follows closely on the heels of Storm Alexandros, which afflicted the region just a month prior.
In a contrasting weather pattern, Australia is undergoing an abnormally wet start to its summer season. Severe thunderstorms have surged through the eastern regions, delivering heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm in certain areas, alongside large hailstones. Cities such as Sydney, Brisbane, and regions in Victoria have come under significant threat from these weather events.
In Brisbane, flash floods engulfed parts of the city after 40 mm of rain fell within an hour on the recent Sunday. Queensland recorded over 200 mm within 24 hours, while Sydney noted rainfall of 25 mm in a single hour. These thunderstorms stemmed from unstable atmospheric conditions, bolstered by an upper-level trough, which intensified the moist air mass contributing to the storms’ development.
According to data from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, forecasts indicate a warmer-than-average summer across the country, alongside above-normal rainfall in the eastern and north-western regions. The contributing factors include elevated sea surface temperatures, which enhance atmospheric humidity, fostering conditions conducive to frequent thunderstorms.
Furthermore, South America has not been spared from extreme weather events. Severe thunderstorms have transpired in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, driven by a cyclone along the coast of Uruguay, producing heavy rainfall along with winds exceeding 50 mph. The state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil experienced devastating impacts, with powerful winds leading to extensive power outages affecting around three million residents. As of December 4, reports indicated at least 50 injuries and substantial damage to infrastructure and housing.
The article explores the recent impact of Storm Bora in Greece, highlighting its severe weather patterns that left significant damages and human casualties. Additionally, it contrasts this with the ongoing storm weather in Australia, which has begun its summer season with intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The piece also notes similar weather disturbances affecting parts of South America, specifically due to a cyclone, underscoring the global nature of extreme weather conditions and their varying impacts on different regions.
In summary, Storm Bora has left a severe mark on Greece, particularly on the islands of Rhodes and Lemnos, causing destruction and tragic loss of life. Meanwhile, Australia is facing unusually wet conditions to start its summer season, due to various atmospheric factors. At the same time, South America endures extreme weather as well, showcasing a concerning trend of powerful storms which have global implications for weather patterns and disaster management.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
