US City Experiences Wettest September in 140 Years, Resulting in Severe Flooding
Last week, the northeastern parts of the United States were hit by torrential downpours, leading to significant flooding and disruption. New York City, in particular, bore the brunt of this extreme weather, with flash flooding wreaking havoc across subway stations and streets. The situation became so dire that one of the terminals at LaGuardia airport had to temporarily shut down, and even a sea lion managed to escape from its enclosure at the Central Park zoo. To address the severity of the situation, Kathy Hochul, the governor of New York, declared a state of emergency, emphasizing the life-threatening nature of the floods. Flood watches and flash-flood warnings were issued for millions of people, but thankfully, no deaths or injuries have been reported so far.
During this unprecedented weather event, many locations witnessed new record daily rainfall totals. JFK airport recorded a staggering 226mm of rainfall, while Central Park received 150mm since last Thursday. This marked the wettest day ever recorded at JFK airport since records began in 1948. Additionally, the National Weather Service confirmed that September had been the wettest month for New York City in 140 years.
Switzerland’s Glaciers Melt Rapidly, Facing Grim Future
In Switzerland, the alarming rate of glacier melt continues to be a cause for concern. This year, the glaciers experienced the second-worst melt rate, following record losses seen last year. Astonishingly, these icy giants have lost an incredible 10% of their volume in just two years, which is equivalent to the volume lost between 1960 and 1990. The Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network, which has been closely observing some of these glaciers since 1914, reported these dramatic losses. The elevated level at which precipitation freezes has also reached a record high, observed at 5,289 meters, surpassing the height of any mountain in the Alps by several hundred meters.
Experts attribute these devastating losses to reduced snowfall in winter and consecutive warm summers. Unless there are substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, it is feared that glaciers across the Alps may disappear entirely by the end of the century. These glaciers not only play a crucial role in summer crop irrigation but also aid in cooling nuclear power stations.
Antarctic Sea Ice Reaches Record Low, Raising Concerns
In September, Antarctic sea ice attained its annual maximum extent, but it set a troubling record. Satellite observations, dating back to 1979, reveal that the sea ice extent reached 16.96 million square kilometers, the lowest ever recorded. The maximum extent occurred on September 10, a staggering 13 days earlier than the average observed between 1981 and 2010. Scientists believe that warmer water in the near-surface layer of the ocean is responsible for the abnormally low sea ice extent surrounding the continent since 2016.
As observations and scientific data continue to shed light on the rapidly changing climate, it is crucial to acknowledge the far-reaching consequences of these events. The severity of the flooding in the US city serves as a reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Similarly, the alarming rate at which Switzerland’s glaciers are melting highlights the pressing need for immediate action to mitigate the effects of climate change. Lastly, the record low sea ice extent in Antarctica raises concerns about the implications for global sea levels and ecosystems. It is now more crucial than ever to unite efforts globally and prioritize sustainable practices to safeguard our planet’s future.
