By Zoila Palma: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says July was marked by extreme weather conditions around the world, with record ocean temperatures, intense heat, drought, wildfires and flooding continuing into August. The latest assessment highlights the growing impacts of a warming climate across several regions.
July was the second-warmest July ever recorded, tied with July 2024, with global temperatures reaching 1.47°C above the pre-industrial average. Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July period on record, with four heatwaves recorded since May, according to the Copernicus EU Climate Change Service.
Ocean temperatures also reached unprecedented levels, with global sea surface temperatures recording their highest July levels on record. Exceptionally warm conditions were reported across the tropical Pacific as El Niño strengthens, while record-high sea temperatures and widespread marine heatwaves affected coastal communities and ecosystems in the Atlantic and western Mediterranean.
Meanwhile, drought conditions intensified across Western Europe, where major rivers including the Seine, Rhine and Danube recorded exceptionally low water flows.
Drier-than-average conditions were also reported in parts of North America, Africa, Asia and South America, while Western Europe experienced exceptional wildfire activity. Major fires were also reported in parts of the western United States and Canada.
At the same time, intense monsoon rains triggered flooding across parts of West Africa and South and Southeast Asia, with India and other countries facing increased risks of flash floods and landslides.
Typhoon Dolphin, an unusually long-lasting storm that formed in late July, also prompted mass evacuations and emergency response efforts in China ahead of its landfall on August 7, highlighting the continuing threat of extreme weather as August unfolds.
The post World Meteorological Organization: July among hottest on record as extreme weather intensifies globally appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says July was marked by extreme weather conditions around the world, with record ocean temperatures, intense heat, drought, wildfires and flooding continuing into August. The latest assessment highlights the growing impacts of a warming climate across several regions. July was the second-warmest July ever recorded, tied with
The post World Meteorological Organization: July among hottest on record as extreme weather intensifies globally appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
