Typhoon Fung-Wong, known locally as Uwan, is hitting the Philippines hard. This is the second typhoon to strike the country in just one week. On Sunday night, it made landfall with winds reaching 115 mph (185 km/h) and gusts hitting 140 mph. The national meteorological agency has issued warnings for heavy rainfall and dangerous storm surges.
By early this week, Luzon, the most populated island, may experience over 200 mm of rain. This follows the recent devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which left at least 224 people dead and more than 100 still missing. The arrival of Fung-Wong has halted rescue efforts.
After passing over Luzon, Fung-Wong is set to head north-west into the South China Sea before moving towards Taiwan. The forecast suggests strong winds and heavy rains will affect Taiwan midweek.
Meanwhile, in south-western Europe, heavy rain is forecasted for the Iberian Peninsula. Western Portugal and Spain’s Galicia region could see over 100 mm of rain this week, with some areas expecting more than 200 mm. Wind gusts could exceed 60 mph on Tuesday.
In the southeastern US, a cold front is bringing unusually low temperatures, about 15°C (30°F) below average for this time of year. Northern Florida, which enjoyed warm weather recently, will see temperatures drop to around 0°C on Tuesday morning.
Interestingly, this sudden chill may cause iguanas to fall from trees. These reptiles can’t handle the cold and become temporarily paralyzed when the temperature drops below 10°C. Authorities are warning people to be cautious of falling iguanas.
Data from climate experts suggest that storms and sudden temperature drops like these are becoming more common. A study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows that global warming is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. As climate change continues, it’s vital to stay informed and prepared for the unexpected.
For more detailed insights on climate impacts, you can check the NOAA’s reports here.
