2020 got off to a wild start in the United States, but there have been several impactful weather events across the globe as well. This week’s Wild Weather Around the World features everything from snow to fire.
More than a foot of snow fell in the mountains of Greece. That combined with some powerful winds even shut down the ski center. A mesmerizing display of undulating clouds rolled through Lagnieu in France. And heavy rain impacted parts of Indonesia. Unfortunately, the monsoon season has already forced evacuations, caused buildings to collapse, and there have been more than 60 flood-related deaths.
This past week, Australia has been making headline, but not for good reasons. The wildfires in Eastern Australia have burned more than 25 million acres. High temperatures, dry weather, and wildfires are not unusual this time of year, but the severity and persistence of these conditions are alarming. Some spotty rain showers did move through the area, resulting in the first measurable rain in a year for some. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t nearly enough to squelch the blazes.
On the west coast, Cyclone Blake brought in strong winds and heavy rain. This was Western Australia’s first tropical cyclone of the summer. There’s a chance that this system could bring much-needed rainfall to some of the bushfires in the south, but it won’t reach the eastern side of the country.