Across the US, a combination of weeks of dry conditions and record-breaking temperatures has led to the emergence of “flash droughts”. A persistent area of high pressure over North America has limited rainfall across much of the country, with 100 weather stations across 26 states marking their driest October on record. This is despite high rainfall totals from Hurricanes Helene and Milton across south-eastern states in late September and early October. In the southern Appalachians, where Helene dropped nearly 800mm of rain, some weather stations have since reported no measurable precipitation. As of 28 October, data indicates that an eighth of the US experienced zero rainfall that month, affecting major cities such as New York, Houston, and San Francisco.
Compounding the situation, high temperatures across the US have further stressed already parched landscapes. For example, in the High Plains and the south, temperatures soared 6C to 7C above normal during the last week of October. As a result, according to the National Drought Center, 77.8% of the US population were experiencing “abnormally dry” or “drought” conditions by the end of the month.
While a cold front brought light showers as it moved south through the Appalachians and east coast over the weekend, the drought conditions, post-frontal winds, and low humidity have significantly increased wildfire risks across much of the north-east. Extreme “red flag” fire warnings have been issued in several states, including all of Connecticut’s state parks. Wildfires have already ignited in several states, including Oklahoma, Missouri and Wyoming, covering 270,465 hectares (668,335 acres) as of 2 November.
Meanwhile, South Africa has experienced an early-season heatwave, with temperatures reaching the mid to high 30s across northern and eastern parts of the country. The heat began to build on Saturday with 32C recorded in Johannesburg and 35C in Pretoria, however the highest temperatures were recorded in the Mpumalanga area where temperatures reached 41C in the town of Skukuza on Saturday. The heat then continued to build into Sunday with a high of 42.6C in Skukuza, and 38C in Pretoria. These temperatures fell short of November temperature records in South Africa but still pose a threat to the people living across this region. Heatwave advisories were issued on Friday in advance of the high weekend temperatures.
The heat is expected to continue into Monday before temperatures gradually cool, with relieving rain expected by Wednesday.
