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Weather Chaos: A Year of Extreme Events
Los Angeles, USAThursday, January 1, 2026
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Wildfires in Los Angeles
- Devastating Fires: Fueled by drought and strong winds, wildfires burned for weeks.
- Destruction: Thousands of structures destroyed, dozens of lives lost.
- Hydroclimate Whiplash: Rapid shift from wet to dry conditions worsened the fires.
- Celebrity Impact: Several celebrities lost their homes.
- Human Influence: Human activities increased the likelihood of such fires.
Flooding in Texas
- Tragic Flooding: Torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly.
- Fatalities: Over 130 deaths, including 36 children.
- Flash Flood Alley: The region is prone to such events due to terrain and weather patterns.
- Drought Conditions: Prior drought made the area more susceptible to flooding.
- Climate Change: Expected to make extreme weather events more intense and frequent.
Tornado Outbreaks in the South
- Significant Damage: Strong storms spawned tornadoes, causing widespread destruction.
- EF-5 Tornado: First in over a decade, struck a rural area in North Dakota.
- Loss of Life: Three lives claimed in the North Dakota tornado.
Atlantic Hurricane Season
- Consequential Season: No hurricanes made landfall in the U.S.
- Category 5 Hurricanes: Three formed, the second-most on record.
- Favorable Conditions: Luck helped the U.S. avoid a direct hit.
- Hurricane Melissa: Devastated Jamaica, destroying communities and killing dozens.
- Climate Change Influence: Expected to make tropical storms more intense.
Record Heat in Europe
- Soaring Temperatures: Triple-digit heat in major cities.
- Outdoor Work Bans: Implemented in some regions.
- Landmark Closures: Eiffel Tower and other sites closed.
- Wildfires: Broke out, forcing evacuations and road closures.
- Climate Scientists' Warning: Extreme heat will become more common due to global warming.
Climate Change Impact
- Increasing Impact: Highlighted by the extreme weather events of 2025.
- Tropical Cyclones: Likely to become more intense, though the total number may remain steady.
- Coastal Vulnerability: Changing climate amplifies the indirect effects of tropical systems.
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