The Human Impacts of Extreme Weather Events

In our latest blog post, we examine the human impact of extreme weather events, intensified by the effects of climate change.

Extreme weather events present significant challenges to individuals and communities, impacting well-being and daily life both during and after the event. We see how with the OpenWeather Dashboard, there can be a renewed focus on building resilience and providing support to help people navigate these difficult circumstances.

1. Cyclone Idai (2019) - Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi

Cyclone Idai was one of the deadliest tropical cyclones to strike Africa, claiming over 1,300 lives and affecting approximately 3 million people across Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. The immediate impact was catastrophic, with entire communities destroyed, homes washed away, and hundreds of thousands displaced.

The aftermath triggered a severe health crisis, as damaged water systems and stagnant floodwaters led to outbreaks of waterborne diseases, including cholera. The cyclone also devastated agricultural lands, resulting in food insecurity in regions where subsistence farming is essential for livelihoods. Humanitarian organizations struggled to provide aid to isolated communities, as many areas remained inaccessible due to destroyed infrastructure.

2. Heatwaves in Europe (2022)

The summer of 2022 brought unprecedented heatwaves to Europe, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in several countries. This extreme heat led to approximately 15,000 excess deaths across the continent, as reported by the European Commission. Vulnerable populations, including older adults, young children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, were most at risk.

Beyond direct heat-related fatalities, extreme temperatures exacerbated respiratory and cardiovascular issues, particularly in urban areas where the heat island effect was pronounced. Healthcare systems faced significant strain, dealing with heat-related illnesses amid ongoing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The psychological toll of these heatwaves should not be overlooked. Studies indicate that extreme heat can elevate rates of anxiety, depression, and aggressive behaviour, further burdening mental health services. Communities across Europe are increasingly recognizing the need for enhanced infrastructure to cope with rising temperatures, such as heat-resistant buildings and green urban spaces.

3. Flooding in Pakistan (2022)

Pakistan experienced some of the worst flooding in its history during the 2022 monsoon season, resulting in over 1,700 deaths and displacing millions. Entire villages were submerged, and vital infrastructure—such as bridges, roads, and hospitals—was destroyed.

The floods left a lasting impact on survivors, many of whom lost their homes, livelihoods, and access to clean water. Health implications were severe, with outbreaks of diseases like malaria and diarrhea emerging due to contaminated water. Children were particularly vulnerable, with 2.7 million affected by the floods, many of whom lost access to education and basic services.

The flooding also devastated Pakistan’s agricultural sector, the backbone of its economy. Widespread crop destruction led to food insecurity, with the recovery process for these agricultural communities projected to take years.

Displacement and Migration

Extreme weather events are among the leading causes of forced displacement worldwide. Climate-induced migration often results from both sudden disasters, such as hurricanes, and slow-onset changes, such as droughts. For instance, Bangladesh, one of the countries most vulnerable to rising sea levels, experiences regular flooding that displaces thousands each year. As coastal regions become increasingly uninhabitable due to saline intrusion and cyclones, migration to urban areas like Dhaka has surged, straining already pressured urban infrastructure and services.a

Similarly, the Sahel region in Africa faces extreme droughts, prompting many communities to migrate in search of water and arable land. This movement can create competition for resources, sometimes leading to conflicts between communities.

Analysis of the Total Effects of Extreme Events Globally

In terms of human impact, extreme weather events contribute to food insecurity, health crises, and forced migration. The World Bank estimates that climate-related factors could displace over 140 million people by 2050, creating "climate migrants" who are compelled to leave their homes due to environmental changes.

The Importance of Timely Weather Alerts and Forecasting, and the role of the OpenWeather Dashboard

Effective forecasting and early warning systems are vital in mitigating the effects of extreme weather events. By providing accurate and timely information about impending disasters, authorities can implement precautionary measures that protect lives and assets.

The OpenWeather Dashboard is a cutting-edge platform that allows you to navigate our ever changing global weather patterns with confidence. From real-time global monitoring to hyper-personalized weather insights, timely severe weather alerts to expert consultations from OpenWeather professional meteorologists. The OpenWeather dashboard provides a nuanced, detailed yet easy-to-use and intuitive interface that can be used for any global location, turning uncertainties into opportunities and making decisions with confidence. In the case of extreme weather, the OpenWeather Dashboard can play a key role in reducing human risk, as well as enabling communities around the world to be more resilient to the ever increasing severe weather events.

• Improved Preparedness: OpenWeather Dashboard early alerts enable communities to prepare for extreme events by stocking emergency supplies or reinforcing infrastructure. For example, during hurricane season, coastal regions benefit from advance warnings, allowing residents to evacuate or secure their homes.
• Public Health Protection: The timely alerts offered by the OpenWeather Dashboard help safeguard public health. For instance, forecasts of high temperatures can trigger public health campaigns, advising vulnerable populations on how to stay safe during extreme temperatures.

About OpenWeather:

OpenWeather provides weather data for any location on the globe using a proprietary hyperlocal forecasting model with a resolution from 500 m to 2 km, globally. More than 7,000,000 customers from logistics, agriculture, insurance, energy, retail, and many other sectors, are working with the company's weather products.

OpenWeather cooperates with global meteorological agencies such as MetOffice and NOAA, and enhances its model with data from radars, weather stations and satellites. The company provides great availability of service at 99.9% for enterprise-level products. The products can be easily integrated into complex IT systems and are ideal for ML analytic systems.

Furthermore, OpenWeather offers a comprehensive weather dashboard, providing accurate forecasts, timely severe weather alerts, detailed overviews, and expert consultations from meteorologists. As a member of the Royal Meteorological Society and an Achilles-certified supplier, OpenWeather maintains high standards of quality and reliability. The company also demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical initiatives through the OpenWeather Foundation, which supports educators and students, provides non-profit subscriptions to increase weather awareness, and fosters a community of innovators working towards a sustainable future. This commitment extends to humanitarian efforts such as the Ukrainian donation program.

For more information on how to gain access to our OpenWeather products, please email us.