The year 2023 witnessed a series of unprecedented and record-breaking weather events across the United States and abroad, causing the National Weather Service to issue warnings for vulnerable groups such as seniors and young children to limit their time outdoors. Here are five of the wildest weather moments that captured headlines this year.
1. Burning Man Festival Flooded by Monsoon Rains:
Tens of thousands of attendees at the iconic Burning Man festival in Nevada found themselves caught in a muddy nightmare as torrential monsoon rains drenched the area around Labor Day. Radar estimates showed that as much as an inch of rain fell in short periods, prompting organizers to advise participants to shelter in place and conserve resources. While some chose to continue their Burning Man experience, well-known figures like celebrity DJ Diplo and comedian Chris Rock decided to walk out. The heavy flooding led to traffic jams lasting more than seven hours once the main road reopened.
2. Smoke from Canadian Wildfires Engulfs Northeastern U.S.:
In June, smoke from wildfires raging in Canada drifted southward and blanketed major metropolitan areas such as New York City. Millions of Americans in the Northeast were under air quality alerts, and flights were grounded due to the eerie conditions caused by the smog. The smoke even led to the cancellation of Major League Baseball games over health concerns. New York City experienced its worst air quality in recorded history, according to FOX Weather’s analysis of EPA data.
3. Southern California Hit by Tropical Storm Hilary:
More than 21 million people in August found themselves under Southern California’s first-ever tropical storm warning as Tropical Storm Hilary brought heavy rain to the West Coast. The storm, once a Category 4 hurricane, made landfall along the southern Baja California peninsula, causing flooding, mudslides, and occasional funnel clouds. San Diego experienced its wettest day on record, with 1.82 inches of rainfall. Wind gusts exceeding 80 mph were recorded, leading to water rescues by first responders.
4. Volcanic Eruption in Iceland:
After weeks of earthquakes and ominous signs, Iceland witnessed a volcanic eruption in late December. The eruption, which occurred in southwestern Iceland, led to the closure of the popular tourist destination, Blue Lagoon, and the evacuation of the town of Grindavik. Lava shot into the air as smoke rose from cracks in the roads. Iceland’s President, Gudni Th. Johannesson, assured the public that their priority was to protect lives and infrastructure, and they remained prepared and vigilant.
5. Record Heat Wave in Phoenix:
Phoenix experienced an intense heatwave in July, with high temperatures at or above 110 degrees for almost the entire month. This broke the city’s previous record for consecutive 110-degree days at 31. The average temperature in July reached 102.74, making Phoenix the first major U.S. city to average 100 degrees or more for a month. The region also experienced its hottest meteorological summer on record, with an average high temperature of 109.2 degrees. Tragically, there have been 569 confirmed deaths caused by excessive heat in the Phoenix area, with an additional 60 deaths under investigation.
The wild weather events of 2023 have captured the attention of people worldwide, highlighting the increasing challenges posed by climate change. While these events have caused disruption and devastation, they serve as a reminder of the urgent need to address and mitigate the effects of climate change on our planet.
