August Global Temperature Breaks Record

EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS
RISING TEMPERATURES
MAIN SCENARIOS 797,  777, 555, 444, 300, 123, 111, 101, 066, 033, 011, 04, 03, 02
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Warmest Summer on Record: Global Temperatures Continue Rising

The combined average global temperature for land and ocean surfaces during August 2014 was a record high for the month, at 0.75°C (1.35°F) above the 20^th century average of 15.6°C (60.1°F), beating the previous record set in 1998, said NOAA in its monthly State of the Climate Report.

Other Global Highlights [Source: NOAA]

• The August global sea surface temperature was 0.65°C (1.17°F) above the 20^th century average of 16.4°C (61.4°F). This record high departure from average not only beats the previous August record set in 2005 by 0.08°C (0.14°F), but beats the previous all-time record set just two months ago in June 2014 by 0.03°C (0.05°F).

• The global land surface temperature for the month was 0.99°C (1.78°F) above the 20^th century average of 13.8°C (56.9°F), the second highest on record for August, behind 1998.

Warmest Summer on Record

• The combined average global land and ocean surface temperature for the June–August period was also record high for this period [record keeping began in 1880,] at 0.71°C (1.28°F) above the 20^th century average of 16.4°C (61.5°F), shattering the previous record set in 1998.

• The first eight months of 2014 (January–August) were the third warmest such period on record across the world’s land and ocean surfaces, with an average temperature that was 0.68°C (1.22°F) above the 20^th century average of 57.3°F (14.0°C). If 2014 maintains this temperature departure from average for the remainder of the year, it will be the warmest year on record.

• The average global sea surface temperature tied with 2010 as the second highest for January–August in the 135-year period of record, behind 1998.

Related Links (Most Recent)

• Hottest June on Record Posted on July 22, 2014
• May Global Temperature Reaches All-time High Posted on June 24, 2014
• Warmest Winter on Record Deepens California Drought Posted on March 18, 2014
• December Ocean Temperature 2nd Warmest Posted on January 23, 2010
• Global Temperature Analysis Posted on January 22, 2014

Killer MARIO: States of Calamity Declared in Philippines

STATES OF CALAMITY
MEGA DISASTERS
EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC HAZARDS
DEADLY STORMS
EXTREME RAIN EVENTS (ERES)
SEVERE FLOODS
MASS DISPLACEMENT
LOSS OF CROPS & LIVESTOCK
SCENARIOS 900, 888, 444, 111, 078, 071, 070, 066, 047, 027, 023, 09, 02
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Deadly Storm Displaces More than 200,000 in the Philippines

The Mega Disaster has left 206,368 people (45,255 families) homeless, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Tropical Storm Fung-Wong, known locally as TS “Mario,” has killed at least 5 people, leaving 7 others injured and 711,069 persons (154,204 families) affected in the Philippines, said NDRRMC.

The deadly storm has caused large-scale destruction in Ilocos, Central and Southern Luzon, Central Luzon, Cordillera, Bicol and Metro Manila.  Some 313 areas remain submerged under up to 2 meters of floodwater.

Fung-Wong was located 19.4ºN, 120.1ºE about 143km NNW Laoag City, as of 1:00 pm local time, said NDRRMC.

The storm has intensified packing maximum sustained winds of 105km/h,  moving NNE toward southern Taiwan.

States of Calamity

States of calamity have been declared for the following areas, as of posting.

• Cebu City
• Marikina City
• The town of Cainta in Rizal
• Ilocos Norte

Related Links

• Tens of Thousands Evacuated as Floods Shut Down Manila September 19, 2014

Toxic Algae Warning Expanded for Oregon River

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
CONTAMINATED WATER
SCENARIO 817, 555, 05
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Microcystis exposure can kill pets within an hour

A health warning issued for a stretch of the Willamette River flowing through downtown Portland has been expanded by the Oregon Health Authority after preliminary test results showed blue-green algae covering the water is a toxic species.

Public health officials recommend that people avoid all contact with Willamette River water in a 10-mile stretch of the river, from Ross Island downriver to the south end of Sauvie Island. This includes avoiding swallowing or inhaling water droplets, and avoiding skin contact. Drinking water directly from this stretch of the Willamette is especially dangerous. Pets should be kept away from the water as well.

Official results of at least two tests on water samples conducted by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality are expected back later today. A preliminary test by one of the laboratories, Aquatic Scientific Resource, confirmed the blue-green algae, which is visible as a swirling, bright-green slick, is a species known as Microcystis aeruginosa (microcystis). This type of algae produces toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. The advisory threshold for microcystis is 40,000 cells of the toxin per milliliter of water. Preliminary counts indicate microcystis is present in the Willamette River at 2.25 million cells per milliliter. Several samples were collected around Ross Island, but the specific sample used for this count was from the mouth of the Ross Island lagoon.

Accidental swallowing of water containing these toxins may produce such symptoms as numbness, tingling, dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting. Inhalation of water droplets can lead to breathing problems, sneezing, coughing or runny nose. Skin contact can cause skin irritation, including a rash. Symptoms usually occur in less than 24 hours.

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs, in particular, can quickly experience symptoms of microcystis exposure and can die within an hour.

The toxins produced by microcystis cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating the water with camping-style filters, health officials warn. People who draw in-home water directly from Willamette are advised to use an alternative water source because private treatment systems are not proven effective at removing algae toxins.