AkaSci 🛰
️@AkaSci@fosstodon.org
As others have pointed out, Australia has been in the grip of severe heat waves, with temps over 40C in Melbourne and Sydney and higher in other regions.
A report by World Weather Attribution (WWA) suggests that the climate crisis raised temps by ~1.6C , while the La Niña likely lowered max temps by 0.3C to 0.5C.
With current global temps 1.3C above preindustrial average, Australia can expect similar heatwaves every 5 years; every 2 years with another rise of 1.3C.
https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/climate-change-eclipses-la-nina-cooling-in-australia-to-drive-extreme-heatwave-and-heightened-fire-risk/
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AkaSci 🛰️@AkaSci@fosstodon.org
Is Winter Storm Fern related to climate crisis?
Yes, according to several experts cited in this article.
Contributors to the storm's intensity and southern track - a marine heat wave from the northern Pacific, a warm and strong high-pressure system near Alaska and moisture from the Gulf.
All exacerbated by above normal ocean temps - 2-5°F above normal in the northern Pacific and the Gulf. Plus a disrupted Polar Vortex, which is forecast to get even worse in Feb.
https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/environment/article314412696.html
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