By: Ale Griffo
The United States is currently experiencing severe floods in the Northeast and prolonged heat waves in the South and West.
This dangerous weather is expected to persist and not stop.
In July, warnings about the climate crisis increased in urgency.
Flash flood warnings were still in place in parts of Vermont.
Although flooding in several towns throughout the state may subside, it’s important to exercise caution when it comes to the Wrightsville Dam located in Washington County.
Following a period of heavy and relentless rainfall in New England and the Northeast, rescue teams quickly mobilized to Vermont to assist. The downpour caused severe damage to roads, necessitated evacuations, and led to some airline travel disruptions.
In upstate New York, a person lost their life while attempting to leave their home during recent flooding.
Some individuals in Ulster County reported that the flooding was the most severe they had witnessed since Hurricane Irene, which was labeled as the worst weather occurrence in the county’s history when it occurred in 2011.
Parts of the Hudson Valley experienced road collapses and unexpected waves of water, leading New York Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency for Orange County, located approximately 60 miles north of New York City.
Parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine are forecasted to experience heavy downpours that may lead to flash flooding. These areas have already been hit by flash floods, with upstate New York and the Green Mountains region of Vermont being greatly affected.
Scientists warn that the common factor is the hotter atmosphere, which is causing extreme rainfall. However, we can take comfort in the fact that we have the power to make a difference. By acknowledging the issue and working towards reducing our carbon footprint, we can help alleviate the situation and protect our planet for future generations.
“As the climate gets warmer we expect intense rain events to become more common, it’s a very robust prediction of climate models,” stated Brian Soden, professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Miami, adding: “It’s not surprising to see these events happening, it’s what models have been predicting since day one.”
Rodney Wynn, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, said: “Warm air expands and cool air contracts. You can think of it as a balloon – when it’s heated the volume is going to get larger, so therefore it can hold more moisture.”
The National Weather Service (NWS) has reported that the Sahara desert’s dust in the atmosphere is impacting the likelihood of rain and resulting in elevated temperatures.
Phoenix, Arizona has been enduring temperatures of over 110F.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported that global sea surface temperatures have hit unprecedented levels during May and June. The WMO has also issued a warning that the increasing warmth of the world’s oceans is expanding beyond their surface at a rapid pace.
