20 Most Important Weather Events of 2024
It might not be a good thing to look back, but it is a time to look for safety patterns.
- Cyra Sanchez
- 6 min read
Weather of 2024: It was the year that changed everything, or at least the weather. This story looks back at the most significant weather events. Extreme heatwaves, widespread floods, and powerful hurricanes highlighted the need for resilience and adaptation.
1. 2024 Afghanistan–Pakistan Floods
MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC on Pexels
Catastrophic floods inundated large parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan. It left millions of people homeless and caused significant destruction to infrastructure. The enormity of destruction and the human misery underscored the vulnerability of regions to severe weather.
2. Typhoon Yagi (Enteng)
T1980 on Wikimedia Commons
This strong typhoon dumped heavy rain and caused damaging winds in the Philippines, leading to widespread destruction. The incident highlighted the perennial threat of typhoons to the Philippines. It also opened the need for disaster preparedness.
3. 2024 Enga Landslide
王桁霽 on Wikimedia Commons
A deadly landslide in Papua New Guinea trapped a village under rubble, killing many. This incident was a grim reminder that living in such landslide-prone areas can be fatal. We need better early warning systems.
4. 2024 Wayanad Landslides
Prime Minister’s Office on Pexels
A chain of landslides in Wayanad, India, caused extensive destruction, loss of life, and displacement of families. The disaster reminded people promptly of the need for better land use planning and raised concerns about disaster mitigation in at-risk areas.
5. Hurricane Helene
NCDOTcommunications on Wikimedia Commons
The powerful storm Pedo wreaked havoc in some parts of the USA, causing disastrous flooding and killing more than once. The occasion highlighted the growing strength of storms and the unpredictability of hurricanes in a warming world.
6. 2024 Spain Floods
European Union, Copernicus Sentinel on Wikimedia Commons
The disaster killed people and paralyzed parts of Spain. The storm illustrated the vulnerability of infrastructure to extreme weather events and raised concerns about the need for better flood defenses.
7. 2024 Rio Grande do Sul Floods
DPU - Defensoria Pública da União on Wikimedia Commons
A series of floods and landslides affected Brazil, most notably the state of Rio Grande do Su, causing damages and displacement. The event highlighted the devastating effects of extreme weather events on vulnerable communities and the need for disaster relief efforts.
8. Tropical Storm Trami (Kristine)
Naga City Government on Wikimedia Commons
This tropical storm caused heavy rain and strong winds across the Philippines, resulting in widespread damage and disruption. The event demonstrated both the continued threat of tropical cyclones across the region and the success of early warning. It also raised concerns about flood control, especially in central areas of the province.
9. Cyclone Chido
European Union, Copernicus Sentinel on Wikimedia Commons
A stronger cyclone made landfall in India, causing massive damage and casualties. The case highlighted the risks climate change posed to those living in coastal areas. There is also the need for proactive disaster preparedness measures.
10. Cyclone Remal
Nilfanion on Wikimedia Commons
This cyclone brought destructive rains and winds to Madagascar, causing significant damage and displacement. It underscored the vulnerability of poorer nations to extreme weather events and the importance of international cooperation in disaster relief efforts.
11. Hurricane Milton
U.S. Space Force photo by Tech. Sgt on Wikimedia Commons
This devastating hurricane struck Florida, leaving a path of destruction in its wake and killing people. The event highlighted the destructive consequences of hurricanes for coastal communities. As well as the need for building codes and evacuation plans.
12. Total Solar Eclipse
Sltim on Wikimedia Commons
A total solar eclipse swept across the United States, delivering a rare and awe-inspiring celestial event to millions. A powerful solar eruption burst forth from our star. Those with the fortune to observe the occurrence recounted the flash as the most brilliant sight ever seen in the heavens, immediately capturing their attention with its intense luminance. As it streaked overhead, its glowing remnants could be viewed splitting off in various directions, resembling the swirling hues of a fireworks display.
13. Massive Fireball Spotted Over 12 States
Brandon Ghany / Horizon Productions SFL on Wikimedia Commons
A huge fireball roared through the night sky, with sights across a broad stretch of the United States. The event served as a reminder of the vastness and dynamism of the universe. The brilliant shooting star, the fireball, burned so vividly that it lit the night comparable to daylight for several fleeting moments, trailing a fading afterglow in its wake. This remarkable occurrence was a powerful symbol of the constant activities transpiring within our solar system and the magnificently beautiful mysteries of the cosmos beyond our world.
14. Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights as Far South as Florida
Erik Drost on Wikimedia Commons
A strong solar storm impacted the Northern Lights as far south as Florida. This uncommon event also underscored the connectedness between Earth and the sun. This tremendous event triggered dazzling, dancing displays of the Northern Lights to cascade across the night skies in regions not accustomed to witnessing such a spectacle. Even as far south as the Sunshine State, stargazers were treated to the colorful auroral phenomenon - a genuinely extraordinary occurrence only seen on rare occasions throughout history.
15. Heat Wave in Europe
European Union, Copernicus Sentine on Wikimedia Commons
A record-breaking, protracted heat wave pushed people’s lives to extremes and tragically killed others as it swept through Europe. The event highlighted the growing seriousness of climate change-related heat waves. As well as the need for adaptation measures.
16. Floods in China
中国新闻社 on Wikimedia Commons
Widespread flooding has caused extensive damage and displacement in China. It underscores the Country’s susceptibility to extreme weather events, alerting people to the critical need for flood control measures.
17. Wildfires in California
Pierre Markuse on Wikimedia Commons
Massive fires tore through California, destroying homes and killing people. The event highlighted the growing severity of wildfires that ravaged much of the area due to climatic disruptions. As well as the need for better management practices in the forest.
18. Tornadoes in the Midwest
Allen Bolling on Wikimedia Commons
A cluster of violent tornadoes swept through the Midwest, leaving considerable destruction and families mourning the loss of lives. The event highlighted the significance of tornado warnings and the need for strong emergency response systems.
19. Winter Storm in the East
Purple Slog on Wikimedia Commons
A significant winter storm closed roads and caused widespread power outages across the eastern United States, from the Carolinas to New England. The event reminded people of the challenges associated with winter weather and that they need not be prepared.
20. Canadian Wildfires
Pierre Markuse on Wikimedia Commons
Wildfires spread across Canada, spreading smoke and raising air quality concerns throughout North America. The climate crisis has become apparent, and the international community must unite to face these threats.