Climate Variability and Impacts Briefing
July 23 2002
In our backyard…
Wettest June on record at Central Park with 10.27” (3.84” avg)
Climate Information Digest
July 2003 Volume 6, Number 7
Hot Topics
• Monsoon rains bring flooding to China and Southern Asia
• West Africa gets a mixed start to the rainy season
• Record-breaking heat wave hits Southern and Eastern Europe
AFRICA …
FAO Update – Generally favorable conditions…
INDIA …
All India Daily Rainfall Index (from Monsoon Online)
EUROPE …
“Blocking”
Jets and Blocking
Drought and Heat Wave in Europe
A-M-J 250 hPa Persistent Flow Anomalies (+/- 1 sd phi)
Highest temps in 200 yrs (37C, 99F)
Temp anomalies > 3 sigma
Damage to Italian agriculture 5 billion euros
Po at its lowest level in 100 yrsCattle moved to mountain pastures;Fed winter feed - 1st time since 1976
Current Drought and its Impacts
Low Danube disrupts shipping
Vegetable & fruit prices up 5-20%
CNN – “The German media is warning that parts of central Europecould become a desert by the middle of the century.”
BBC – “Is England’s climate becoming more mediterranean? Warmer summers, wetter winters, earlier springs and later falls could become the norm.”
CNN – “Sales of the traditional summer drink Pimm’s have beenfour times higher than usual…”
IMPACTS and the Media