🥵 Major Cities See 25% Increase in Extremely Hot Days

🌍 La Niña Intensifies African Weather Disturbances

A study led by scientists at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science and the National Center for Atmospheric Research revealed how a major global climate pattern influences the African weather systems that help seed Atlantic hurricanes. African easterly waves (AEWs) are weather systems that can produce extreme rainfall and tropical cyclones. During La Niña patterns, AEWs had increased strength, moisture content, and convective activity. Regional circulations including the tropical easterly jet, the African easterly jet, and the West African monsoon were stronger and displaced during La Niña years, increasing convection in the vicinity of AEWs and enhancing thermodynamic instabilities. Ultimately, those conditions could lead to increased tropical cyclone development. The findings could lead to better seasonal forecasts of rainfall, drought, and tropical cyclone activity across the Atlantic basin.

Diana Udel, University of Miami

🥵 Major Cities See 25% Increase in Extremely Hot Days

A study by the International Institute for Environment and Development found that the world’s largest capital cities are now experiencing 25% more extremely hot days each year compared to the 1990s. The number of days above 35C in 43 of the world’s most populous capital cities rose from an average of 1,062 per year from 1994-2003 to 1,335 from 2015-2024. The average number of days above 35C doubled in Rome and Beijing, and tripled in Manila. Madrid is now experiencing 47 days per year over 35C, compared to 25 days previously. London, which has a relatively cool climate, has seen its number of days above 30C double. Global heating caused by fossil fuel burning is making every heatwave more intense and more likely. Extreme heat has likely caused the early death of millions of people over the past 30 years, with elderly and poor people in fast-growing cities most deeply affected.

Damian Carrington, The Guardian

🗽NYC Tests Five New Climate Technologies

The New York City Economic Development Corporation selected five cutting-edge climate technology companies to their Pilots at Bat program. Pilots at Bat is a program where emerging climate technology companies can test their products in a live built environment and ultimately grow their businesses and impact through the five boroughs to confront the climate crisis. The new projects include the following. BioTwin has developed a low-carbon, acoustically enhanced hemp-based wall stud designed to replace steel in non-loadbearing partitions. ClipBike reimagines the e-bike as a portable upgrade, not a new purchase. Cast Carbon offers biochar-enriched wall tiles that blend clay, minerals, and agriculture waste into a compostable finish. Plantd is developing carbon-negative building materials manufactured from fast growing perennial grass. Voltpost is empowering communities with affordable, convenient EV charging infrastructure.

NYCEDC