Torrential Rain in Southern China Sparks Flood Fears
Widespread heavy rain is sweeping across southern China, with rainfall totals expected to exceed 100mm in many parts of Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and Hunan provinces by Wednesday. In some areas, accumulations could reach 150-200mm. The Office of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, along with the Ministry of Emergency Management, has convened meetings with meteorological and hydrological departments to stress the need for reinforced patrols and emergency responses to mitigate expected flooding. Reservoirs with known safety concerns must remain empty during this period and throughout the coming rainy season.
Torrential rain is also forecast for Bangladesh, northern Myanmar, and far eastern India, including Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam, where up to 250mm could fall, locally exceeding 400mm. Central and northern India continue to experience extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 45C from Surat on the west coast to Haryana, Delhi in the north, and Odisha in the east. Combined with high humidity and extreme UV levels, several yellow heatwave alerts have been issued. The sweltering conditions are expected to persist into early week before cooler air and potential thunderstorms bring relief.
In Nigeria, heavy rainfall has caused widespread damage in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba state in the east. On Saturday, intense rain led to rapidly rising water levels that flooded properties and destroyed homes. Although rainfall totals were not as extreme as those in Southeast Asia, poor drainage infrastructure has made damaging flooding a recurring issue.
Unseasonably cold weather is affecting central western Canada, with Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon seeing daytime highs below freezing, up to 15C below normal for late April. Overnight lows range from -10C to -12C. Snow has also affected northern US states including Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota. Warmer conditions are expected later this week as the cold air moves into southern and eastern US states.
