What's happened
Heavy rain, gales, and flooding continue across New Zealand and parts of Europe. New Zealand declared a state of emergency after floods and landslides disrupted communities, while Europe faces power outages and infrastructure damage from Storm Nils. The weather systems are intensifying and causing widespread impacts today.
What's behind the headline?
The current weather crises reveal the increasing volatility of climate patterns. In New Zealand, the persistent low-pressure system will continue to cause heavy rain and flooding until at least late evening, with rivers likely to rise rapidly and landslips remaining a threat. The European storm, intensified by a southward jet stream dip, will sustain high winds and heavy snowfall, increasing avalanche risks and infrastructure damage. These events underscore the impact of atmospheric blocking and moisture-laden air masses, which will likely lead to further flooding and disruption in affected regions. Governments must prioritize emergency response and infrastructure resilience, as climate change appears to be amplifying the frequency and severity of such storms. The interconnectedness of these weather systems suggests that similar patterns could recur globally, demanding urgent adaptation strategies. The forecast indicates that these weather extremes will persist into the coming days, with the potential for further escalation if atmospheric conditions remain unchanged.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that New Zealand's storm caused widespread flooding, power outages, and a death in the Otorohanga district, with authorities declaring a state of emergency. Reuters highlights the ongoing heavy rain and flooding in New Zealand, emphasizing the threat of landslips and the impact on communities. It also details the European storm Nils, which brought winds up to 100 mph, causing power cuts and avalanche risks in the Alps. Both sources agree on the severity and broad geographic impact of these weather events, though The Guardian focuses more on the immediate human and infrastructural toll in New Zealand, while Reuters provides a wider context of the storm's development and European impacts.
How we got here
Recent weather events stem from complex low-pressure systems merging with cold fronts and high-pressure blocks, causing prolonged heavy rainfall and strong winds. In New Zealand, a deepening low off the east coast has led to flooding and landslides, especially in Canterbury and Wellington. Meanwhile, Europe experienced Storm Nils, driven by Atlantic jet stream patterns, resulting in severe winds and flooding across France, Spain, and Portugal. These events follow weeks of saturated soils and persistent storm activity, exacerbated by tropical moisture and atmospheric blocking patterns.
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New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It comprises two main landmasses—the North Island and the South Island —and around 600 smaller islands, covering a total area of 268,021 square kilometres.