Stay Informed: China Faces Flash Floods and Landslides from Heavy Rainfall – Your Ultimate Weather Tracker

Southern China is currently facing severe weather, with heavy rain leading to flash floods and landslides, particularly in Guangdong and Guangxi. As of May 24, at least four lives have been lost, and 17 people remain missing, adding to a wider toll of seven deaths from recent weather-related incidents. To assist with the crisis, over 400 emergency responders have been deployed to the worst-hit areas.

This week, more intense rainfall is predicted, especially in southwestern China. Some regions, like Guizhou and Hunan, could see over 100mm of rain on Tuesday. In Fujian, the forecast suggests up to 80mm, while Zhejiang may experience even more, with totals exceeding 120mm. Taiwan is also bracing for heavy rainfall as the storm system moves eastward.

On the other side of the world, New Zealand’s South Island experienced similar weather challenges. A storm front from the Tasman Sea brought heavy rain and strong winds, causing weather warnings to be issued throughout the region. Last Sunday, rainfall reached between 130mm and 160mm along the west coast, and areas in Canterbury and Otago also reported significant precipitation.

This weather pattern can be traced back to the north-westerly winds carrying moisture from the Tasman Sea, which, upon encountering the Southern Alps, generate heavy downpours. The mountains intensify these winds, leading to turbulent conditions.

Meanwhile, parts of northern Africa, the Middle East, and southern Asia are suffering from extreme heat. A hot air dome stretched from Libya to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan last week, pushing temperatures into the high 40s Celsius, with some areas exceeding 50°C. In southwestern Iran, a weather station near Ashajari recorded a scorching 50.6°C. While this region is known for high temperatures, these levels are about 10-15°C above the May average.

The increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves in the Middle East can be linked to human-induced climate change. Research suggests that the number of days with temperatures above 50°C has doubled from the 1980s to the 2010s, a trend likely to continue as climate change accelerates. A 2021 BBC analysis reported that the risk of such extreme temperatures is rising due to global warming, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action.

In short, as extreme weather events become more common worldwide, understanding their causes and impacts is essential. The situation highlights the interconnectedness of our climate system and the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters.

For further reading on climate change and extreme weather, you can explore this NASA resource.

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