The heat is on by Nina Ridge
The heat is on in the Philippines, with temperatures approaching record levels for this time of year. In Quezon City, temperatures of 37C (99F) have been reached, approaching the all time record of 39C (102F), set in the 1980’s. With thunderstorms breaking out in the next few days, the heat should become somewhat less intense.
However the heat in the Philippines seems remarkably tame compared to the exceptional heat in Hawaii so far this year. Hot and dry conditions have meant an early start to the brush fire season, with fire fighters battling to take control of fires which have been raging for five days. So far, more than 2,000 acres of land have been destroyed. With temperatures staying above 30C (86F) and rather breezy conditions forecast for the next few days, problems look likely to continue.
From the heat to the cold, heavy snow and strong winds have brought blizzard conditions to mountainous parts of Quinghai province in China. More than 70 explorers were caught in the poor weather, and rescue efforts were hampered by extremely low visibility. However, the rescue mission was successful, with everyone safe and sound.
Snow has been causing problems of a different kind in California, USA. Rapidly melting snow has caused flooding problems in the Yosemite National Park, with water from the mountains, quickly descending into the valley below. Five thousand tourists were forced to leave campgrounds, and people advised to check before they travelled, with numerous roads closed. Further snow melt is set to occur, with some rather intense heat forecast in the next few days.
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