From an impending category 4 cyclone in Northern Australia and unprecedented cold in Finland to destructive heatwaves forcing school closures in South Sudan, the world is witnessing a diverse range of extreme weather phenomena, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.
Northern Australia is on high alert as Tropical Cyclone Megan approaches, anticipated to become a category 4 storm boasting winds up to 125km/h. This development represents the fifth cyclone to emerge in Australian waters for the current season. On the other side of the globe, Finland faces an extreme cold snap, with temperatures plummeting to -16C accompanied by heavy snowfall, considerably below what’s typical for this time of year. Concurrently, South Sudan grapples with an intense heatwave, leading to the closure of all schools due to expected temperatures ranging between 41-45C, with forecasts indicating highs could reach up to 50C in specific locales. In the capital, Juba, temperatures of 40-42C are anticipated throughout the upcoming week.
In response to the sweltering conditions, South Sudan’s government, through its health and education ministries, has mandated a temporary shutdown of educational facilities to protect students from the extreme heat. The measure has seen support from local residents, with calls for schools to be equipped with electricity to facilitate the installation of air conditioning systems. The heatwave is a significant concern for South Sudan, a nation already battling challenges such as climate change impacts, civil strife, and economic difficulties. The World Food Program has highlighted the critical humanitarian situation in the country, with assistance provided to over 800,000 individuals in January 2024 alone.
These events underscore the varied extreme weather phenomena confronting different parts of the world, from cyclones and snowfalls to devastating heatwaves, reflecting the broad spectrum of climate-related challenges globally.