According to National Geographic, a United Nations report indicates 2011 is looking to be one of the 10 hottest years on record. The conclusion is especially problematic since this year is part of the La Nina period, a climate pattern marked relatively cooler global conditions. In addition, this year has had numerous extreme weather events, which are often a symptom of global warming and increasing average global temperatures.
Here are some facts about extreme weather events that have struck the U.S. this year:
Texas Drought
October 2010 through September 2011 has been the driest year for Texas on record and tree-ring data indicates this year's drought was ranked only the second worst drought over the past 461 years, reported Think Progress. Likewise, leading climate experts have continued to assert that anthropogenic global warming is a major player in the severe drought. According to CBS News, the damage, including $5 billion in agricultural loses, could continue for years.
Hurricane Irene
August opened the doors for one of the most out of place and expensive weather events of this year. The Seattle Post Intelligencer noted Hurricane Irene missed the southern U.S. and instead hit the East Coast with intense flooding and other devastation. Additionally, this year saw the third highest number of tropical storms on record. Despite not being a major hurricane, industry estimates have put the cost of the damage at $7 billion to $10 billion, according to the New York Times.
April Tornadoes
This spring was marked by numerous tornadoes, reported the Huffington Post. The 24-hour period starting at 8 a.m. April 27 broke the record for most tornadoes in a day with 226. USA Today added the month set a record for the most tornadoes in a month with 753 twisters. Climate scientists also concluded that global warming was responsible for creating the right conditions for April's tornadoes.
Heat Waves
Areas of the Midwest, the Southeast and the Plains saw severe and record-setting heat waves this summer, reported CNN. By mid-July, 23 states were under heat advisories with record temperatures ranging from 102 to 115 degrees. Similarly, numerous cities set records for their hottest month, including Dallas, Houston, Detroit and Oklahoma City, noted the Weather Channel. Fort Smith, Ark., set an all-time record high and also had the record-breaker when it hit 115 degrees on Aug. 3.
Rachel Bogart provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.
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