The Rise of ‘Rain Bombs’: Why Our Cities Are No Longer Built for the Weather When a city like Wellington experiences 77 millimetres of rain in under an hour, it isn’t just a “poor storm.” We see a signal of a shifting climatic baseline. Meteorologists are increasingly discussing the phenomenon of “rain bombs”—extreme, concentrated bursts … Read more
Super Typhoon Sinlaku Ravages Northern Mariana Islands and Guam: A Region Increasingly Vulnerable A super typhoon, packing winds exceeding 250 kilometers per hour, has inflicted significant damage on the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Guam. The storm, categorized as a Category 5 system, brought destructive winds and heavy rainfall, leaving residents sheltering in … Read more
Tropical Cyclone Gezani: South Africa Remains Vigilant as Storm Tracks Mozambique Channel The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is closely monitoring Tropical Cyclone Gezani as it moves across the Mozambique Channel. While currently posing no direct threat to South Africa, the system is being tracked for potential changes in trajectory and intensity. Gezani’s Journey: From … Read more
The Kererū Gorge culvert in Hawke’s Bay, vital for connecting a Hastings community severed by Cyclone Gabrielle, has reopened after a rebuild that ultimately cost $30.3 million. This is significantly higher than the initial estimate of $13.5 million. The Background Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 caused “catastrophic” damage to the Kererū Gorge, washing away a 50-meter … Read more
The intensifying Cyclone Hayley, now a Category 4 system, serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and power of tropical cyclones impacting Western Australia’s coastline. While Hayley is forecast to weaken slightly before landfall near Cape Leveque, the event highlights a growing trend: climate change is fueling more intense and unpredictable weather events, … Read more
The Rising Tensions in Environmental Regulations Recent shifts in environmental policy highlight a growing divide on climate change action. The new head of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lee Zeldin, has sparked controversy by dismantling 31 environmental rules. This rollback signifies a significant departure from previous climate action efforts, leaving many to question the … Read more
The Ongoing Threat of Tropical Cyclones in Indonesia Indonesia, surrounded by vast oceanic expanses, faces a significant threat from tropical cyclones. Recently, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has been closely monitoring three active cyclones impacting the region’s weather. Understanding Cyclone Taliah Talih, a powerful cyclone situated in the Indian Ocean, is 1,580 kilometers … Read more
The Impending Impact of Tropical Cyclone Seeds on Indonesia Indonesia is currently witnessing heightened meteorological activity with the development of two active tropical cyclone seeds, 99S and 90S, according to recent reports by BMKG, the nation’s leading meteorological authority. Positioned strategically in the Indian and Southern Pacific Oceans, these cyclone seeds are raising concerns due … Read more
The Evolution of Flooding Scenarios As seen with the calamitous events in North Queensland, flooding scenarios have drastically evolved due to climate change. Heavy rainfall causing life-threatening floods is no longer an isolated event but a growing concern for regions worldwide. As rainfall patterns intensify, understanding these evolving threats becomes crucial. Addressing the Future Risks … Read more
Understanding Dikeledi: The Cyclone Threat and Zimbabwe’s Safety The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) reassures Zimbabweans about the current trajectory of Severe Tropical Storm Dikeledi, promising no direct impacts on the nation through early January 2025. Here’s what you need to know. The Reality of Cyclone Trajectories Storms like Dikeledi, though powerful, often change course as … Read more