Northern Hemisphere Summer Extremes 2021

Although they can happen any time of the year, here’s a look at some extreme events occurring during the summer months north of the equator.
Dust Storms in Greenland
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Dust Storms in Greenland

Large plumes of dust from the planet’s largest island are most common during the transition from summer to winter.

Published Oct 25, 2021

Image of the Day Land Floods Severe Storms Snow and Ice

Devastating Rain in Tennessee
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Devastating Rain in Tennessee

Flash floods occur when persistent heavy rain causes small creeks, channels, and streams to swell rapidly.

Published Aug 26, 2021

Atmosphere Land Water Floods Severe Storms Human Presence Remote Sensing

Rain and Warmth Trigger More Melting in Greenland
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Rain and Warmth Trigger More Melting in Greenland

The island’s vast ice sheet underwent multiple bouts of widespread melting this summer, exacerbated in August 2021 by rain.

Published Aug 18, 2021

Image of the Day Heat Land Floods Severe Storms Snow and Ice Remote Sensing

Flooding in Central China
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Flooding in Central China

A slow-moving rainstorm overwhelmed rivers and reservoirs, leading to deadly flooding in the province of Henan.

Published Jul 26, 2021

Image of the Day Land Water Floods Severe Storms Human Presence

Deadly Floods Surprise Europe
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Deadly Floods Surprise Europe

Flash floods have devastated several communities in Germany, Belgium, and The Netherlands.

Published Jul 19, 2021

Image of the Day Land Water Floods Severe Storms

A Scorcher in Siberia and Europe
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A Scorcher in Siberia and Europe

While record-breaking heat enveloped the Pacific Northwest in June 2021, other parts of the Northern Hemisphere also saw early-summer temperatures climb.

Published Jun 30, 2021

Image of the Day Atmosphere Heat Land Water Fires Snow and Ice Remote Sensing Temperature Extremes

Exceptional Heat Hits Pacific Northwest
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Exceptional Heat Hits Pacific Northwest

In June 2021, all-time temperature records fell in multiple cities in the U.S. and Canada during a “historic and dangerous” heatwave.

Published Jun 28, 2021

Image of the Day Atmosphere Heat Land Fires Remote Sensing Temperature Extremes

Records Fall in Early Summer Heatwave
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Records Fall in Early Summer Heatwave

Extreme heat has descended on the southwestern United States, with several states enduring temperatures near and above record highs for June.

Published Jun 16, 2021

Image of the Day Heat Land Floods Severe Storms Remote Sensing

Heatwave Scorches the Middle East
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Heatwave Scorches the Middle East

A phenomenon known as a “heat dome” set the stage for remarkably high temperatures as meteorological summer got under way.

Published Jun 11, 2021

Image of the Day Atmosphere Heat Land Remote Sensing Temperature Extremes