Exceptionally high temperatures have roasted Israel in recent days, breaking records for late November. During the heatwave, which peaked over Friday and Saturday, temperatures soared to between 10C and 12C above average, as low-lying parts of the country widely reached between 30C and 35C and exceeded 35C more locally. Israel’s previous record for the latter third of November was 34.9C.
On Friday, temperatures reached 36.2C in Beit Dagan, near Tel Aviv, where the average November high is around 24C, while on Saturday they reached a peak of 37.3C in Eilat on the Red Sea coast, where the average is 27C. Though temperatures were less extreme at higher altitudes, they were still well above average; Jerusalem, at an altitude of more than 700 metres, reached around 27C, in comparison with an average November high of 19C.
In Vietnam, the rainy season reached extreme levels in south-central parts over the last week, with relentless downpours delivering nearly 2 metres of rainfall to some areas – around the annual average for the region. This caused flooding and landslides, leaving hundreds of thousands of buildings destroyed, damaged or without power, while river levels swelled to record highs, with strong currents sweeping away a suspension bridge over the Ða Nhim River. Major blows have also been dealt to the local agricultural industry, with estimated losses of 3 million animals and 80,000 hectares (200,000 acres) of crops. At least 90 people are known to have died.
In Western Australia, the northernmost region, the Kimberley, is braced for the landfall of the severe Tropical Cyclone Fina on Monday. After developing in the Timor Sea last week, Fina meandered south-west along the coast of the Northern Territory, passing Darwin on Saturday at a strength equivalent to a category 2 hurricane. Winds in the city exceeded 85mph, damaging trees, houses and power lines, while 168mm of rain was recorded at Darwin airport.
Fina has now intensified to the equivalent of a category 3 hurricane, and is expected to dump between 100mm and 150mm of rain over the northern Kimberley, with residents warned of flash-flooding dangers and high winds. However, Fina is expected to reduce in severity and weaken during the course of the day as it moves west along the Kimberley coast, possibly falling back below cyclone strength by Tuesday morning.
Fiji has been put under a major flood alert by the country’s national weather forecasting centre. A trough of low pressure has persisted over the islands in recent days, bringing heavy rain that is forecast to continue through the week. More than 100mm could fall over the islands, potentially resulting in flash flooding, including the inundation of low-water bridges and crossings.
