Weather Whirligig 2

Another edition of the Weather Whirligig. As before, the basic idea of these posts is to note the occurrence of unusual or extreme weather events. Since the last post, there have been a few more weather events to report on; some are eerily similar to before.

• China remains gripped by extreme winter weather. Freezing weather and heavy snowfalls have disrupted millions in China over a major holiday period. Further, the weather has damaged crops. Heavy snowfall was reported around the globe in the North. It is the middle of winter there, so we shouldn't be too surprised.

• More surprising is the tornado outbreak in the southern US which killed at least 50 people across 4 states. “Strange” winter tornadoes are all the rage this year.

• While winter marches on, the UK (maybe more?) should get ready for an early start to spring., according to Woodland Trust research. This consistent an apparent trend towards earlier spring since 1970, particularly noticeable over the past few years. (OK, so it's not an event, but a forecast...and it's not weather, but ecology/climate...Interesting nonetheless)

• Meanwhile, large portions of Australia have endured the hottest January on record. Tennant Creek, NT broke a record with 19 consecutive days above 40C. Perth has experienced a long hot summer, along with the rest of WA. In the Pilbara, temperatures were in the upper 40s (49+ in some cases) earlier in January (sorry, no link...).

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Image: EO Natural Hazards