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Southern Hemisphere Swelters: Record Heat and Wildfires Rage
14 Feb
Summary
- Southern Hemisphere nations endure record heatwaves and wildfires.
- Extreme weather includes droughts, heavy rainfall, and cyclones.
- Scientists warn of potentially higher global annual temperatures.

Countries in the Southern Hemisphere are currently facing severe climate challenges, including record-breaking heat and widespread wildfires. Australia experienced a heat dome in January with temperatures nearing 50 degrees C (122 degrees F). Simultaneously, parts of South America, including Argentina, battled heat and destructive wildfires, which resulted in fatalities in Chile.
The climate crisis is also deeply impacting Africa. Kenya and other Horn of Africa nations are enduring a severe drought, with Somalia declaring a national emergency due to poor rainfall. South Africa's Western Cape province is confronting one of its worst droughts in memory, alongside significant wildfires.
Madagascar was struck by a powerful Tropical Cyclone this week, leading to flooding in coastal areas. Meanwhile, Morocco in North Africa has endured weeks of torrential rain, causing rivers to overflow, inundating villages and farmland, and affecting the city of Ksar El Kebir. Morocco has pledged 3 billion dirhams ($330 million) for infrastructure and aid.
In contrast, Spain and Portugal in the Northern Hemisphere have contended with heavy storms. The Democratic Republic of Congo is also seeking to finance infrastructure projects, including airport and road modernization and hydropower plants, through emerging economies' debt.




