In the past year alone, some of us have faced record-breaking heat, flash floods, freezing winters in unexpected places, and wildfires that jump from one town to the next. It's enough to make you ask: what's going on with the weather?
If you've found yourself saying, "This kind of thing never used to happen when I was younger," you're not imagining it.
Scientists have been tracking the rising frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and the patterns are becoming clearer than ever.
The Basics: What Is"Extreme Weather"?
Let's define what we're talking about.
1. Heatwaves and droughts
These are long periods of unusually hot or dry conditions that can damage crops, dry up reservoirs, and increase health risks.
2. Intense storms and floods
From hurricanes to sudden downpours, storms are getting more destructive and bringing more rainfall in shorter bursts.
3. Cold snaps in strange places
Even as the planet warms, cold waves are still possible—sometimes in areas that aren't prepared for them.
So What's Driving This Wild Shift?
We can't explain every single weather event with one cause. But scientists agree on several key drivers behind the growing chaos.
1. Global Warming = More Energy in the Atmosphere
The Earth's average temperature has risen by about 1.18°C since the late 1800s to 2020, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This doesn't sound like much—but that extra heat adds a lot of energy to our weather systems.
2. Warmer Air Holds More Moisture
As the atmosphere warms, it can carry more water vapor. That's why storms today often dump more rain than in the past, increasing the risk of floods.
3. Ocean Temperatures Are Rising
Oceans absorb much of the excess heat from climate change. Warmer oceans fuel stronger hurricanes and typhoons, making them more intense and longer-lasting.
4. Jet Streams Are Wobbling
The polar jet stream—a fast-moving river of air that guides weather patterns—has become weaker and wavier. That leads to prolonged heatwaves, rain spells, or cold snaps, depending on where the air gets stuck.
Examples You've Probably Seen or Heard About
1. Heatwaves in Europe and Asia (2023–2024)
Multiple countries reported their hottest days on record. Some cities experienced over 40°C (104°F) temperatures for several days in a row.
2."Once in a Century"Floods Happening Every Few Years
Whether it's Malaysia, Germany, or the U.S., flooding events that used to be rare are now happening more frequently—and catching people off guard.
3. Unusual Snowstorms in Warmer Regions
Texas saw a major snowstorm in 2021 that knocked out power across the state—highlighting how unexpected cold snaps can still appear in a warming world.
What Does the Science Say About the Future?
Climate models aren't just guesses—they're based on decades of satellite data, temperature records, and physics. Here's what experts expect:
1. More Frequent Extremes
Dr. Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at Imperial College London, explains: "For some types of events, like heat waves, climate change is a real game‑changer, and we see events that we have never seen before."
2. Wet Areas Getting Wetter, Dry Ones Getting Drier
Regions that already see a lot of rain are likely to get more. Dry areas may see longer droughts. This imbalance can strain agriculture and water systems globally.
3. Urban Areas Will Be Hit Hardest
Cities tend to trap heat (the"urban heat island effect") and struggle with drainage, making them especially vulnerable to both extreme heat and flooding.
What Can We Do About It—Realistically?
We may not be able to stop extreme weather overnight, but we're not powerless. Here are a few focused, science-supported ways we can adapt and protect ourselves:
1. Invest in Early Warning Systems
Some countries now use AI-powered weather prediction models to give earlier and more accurate storm alerts.
2. Upgrade Urban Infrastructure
Better drainage systems, green rooftops, and reflective building materials can reduce both flooding and overheating in cities.
3. Support Sustainable Agriculture
Planting more drought-resistant crops and using smarter irrigation methods can help farmers cope with unpredictable weather.
4. Make Smarter Personal Decisions
Whether it's choosing to use energy-efficient appliances, supporting renewable energy policies, or adjusting daily habits—small actions matter.
We Can't Control the Weather—But We Can Respond Smarter
Have you experienced strange weather recently—something that made you pause and say,"This can't be normal"? If so, you're not alone. The climate is changing, and the extremes we're seeing are part of a much bigger picture.
But here's the good news: with better science, smarter planning, and more awareness, we can prepare.
We may not be able to control the skies—but we can shape how well we live under them.
