Latest news with #JuanRivera
Reuters
27-03-2025
- Climate
- Reuters
Argentina's deadly rains more likely in a warming world, report says
March 27 (Reuters) - The heavy rains that led to catastrophic flooding in central Argentina and killed 16 people earlier this month were partly fueled by climate change and could become more frequent in a warmer world, a team of international scientists said on Thursday. An analysis by the World Weather Attribution found that extreme heat in the region leading up to the floods caused a warmer and more humid mass of air that clashed with a cold front from Argentina's Patagonian region, causing the torrential rains in Bahia Blanca, a port city about 550 km (340 miles) south of Buenos Aires. "The indicators of heat and humidity (leading up to the floods) would have been virtually impossible without climate change," Juan Rivera, one of the report's authors and scientists at the Argentine Institute for Snow Research, Glaciology and Environmental Sciences (IANIGLA), said in a press conference on Wednesday. Rivera said that multiple days with temperatures surpassing 40 C (104 F) in northern and central Argentina, including a humid heat wave immediately preceding the rains, combined with increased humidity from the Amazon led to an accumulation of moisture that dumped 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain over Bahia Blanca in just over 6 hours. "These floods have no precedent in the national meteorological service stations," Rivera added, noting that the cold front lingered over the area for several hours before moving on. The study said that the extreme heat preceding the rains are still rare events, occurring every 50 to 100 years, but climate change is making these temperatures more frequent and intense. The year 2024 was the hottest on record as global temperatures exceeded 1.5 C (2.7 F) above pre-industrial levels for the first time and some scientists expect 2025 to also be among the hottest on record. The report noted while they were able to deduce a link to human-induced climate change and high temperatures, the link to heavy rainfall events was less conclusive due to discrepancies with global meteorological datasets. "But don't be fooled by some of these uncertainties," said Friederike Otto, co-lead of World Weather Attribution. "As the world continues to warm, the chance of simultaneous or consecutive events hitting the same region will continue to increase – and we need to be prepared for it." The report noted that Bahia Blanca had undergone rapid urbanization and did not have the necessary infrastructure to deal with the heavy rainfall. It added that the region will face increased hazards in a warming world and the aging population, combined with urban development and high population density, only add to the risks. Rivera noted the area had also experienced a devastating storm in 2023 that brought winds of over 150 kph (93 mph). "Both extreme events had widespread impacts and common features linked to human-induced climate change: more frequent extreme heat and moister air, factors which fueled the storms," Rivera said, adding that more studies are needed to understand the compounding risks of a warming world.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Drowsy driving poses risks during Daylight Savings
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – As Daylight Saving time begins, you may feel tired after losing an hour of sleep, and traffic safety experts shared the risks associated with drowsy finally time to spring those clocks ahead. Starting Sunday, the sun will both rise and set an hour later, giving us more daylight as we approach the official start of spring. Women share breast cancer experiences at Thunderbirds 'Pink in the Rink' event 'I feel good, I know spring is coming,' said Juan Rivera of East Hartford, Connecticut. 'I love this time of year,' said John Labrie of did lose an hour of sleep overnight Saturday, and you may feel the effects, especially if you're hitting the road. AAA is reminding drivers just how important it is to catch up on rest before getting behind the wheel. According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 700 fatalities from crashes involving drowsy driving in 2022. New research suggests drowsy driving is a factor in 10 times as many traffic fatalities as traditional crashes. To protect yourself and others at a time your sleep pattern may be disrupted, remember these important tips: Stay alert and rested Travel at a time when you are normally awake Avoid distractions like cellphones Obey speed limits Speeding significantly increases the severity of a crash. And of course, make sure to buckle up for every ride. As Daylight Saving time begins, it's encouraged to take advantage of that extra hour of sunlight. 'Spring is coming, a lot of people are gonna do gardening,' Rivera said. 'A lot of people are gonna be happy.' ''Cause it's lighter later in the day, I'll spend some more time outside after work,' Labrie said. This time of year is a true sign that spring is on its way. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
