News & Reports

Peru’s national weather service has issued weather warnings for August 1–3 following a massive sandstorm that hit southern coastal regions, caused by a strong South Pacific anticyclone. The storm generated widespread dust clouds, lowered visibility, and disrupted transportation and tourism. Authorities warn that strong downdrafts and airborne dust will likely continue along the coast through Sunday.   Advice: - Limit outdoor activity in Lima, Ica, and coastal regions due to dust inhalation risks and falling debris. - Expect travel delays on highways and possible route disruptions across Ica and southern Peru. - Use protective gear such as masks and eyewear when outdoors; secure loose objects near buildings. - Monitor official updates from SENAMHI (www.senamhi.gob.pe) and from the National Emergency Operations Center.  

the northern Grand Canyon region, spreading into Arizona and Utah. Over 164 square miles have burned in Arizona, making it the largest wildfire in the U.S. this year. Extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds are creating dangerous pyrocumulus clouds that fuel the fire, which threatens thousands of acres of wilderness, with very limited containment reported.   Advice: - Avoid all travel to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, the Kaibab Plateau, and all the affected areas until containment improves. - If in the area, follow evacuation orders and avoid low-lying areas due to potential smoke and chlorine gas exposure. - Stay informed about hazardous air quality and reduced visibility in surrounding regions due to smoke plumes. - Monitor updates from the National Park Service (www.nps.gov/grca). - In case of emergency, call 911.  

Following unrest between July 28–31 that left at least 29 people dead, Angola remains tense, with new protests planned for August 2 in Luanda. Demonstrations are expected to begin at 10:00 at São Paulo Market, with a second gathering and march toward Largo do Soweto at 13:00, passing through critical access points to the city. Authorities may establish police checkpoints, restrict traffic, and increase security presence. Although tensions have eased slightly, the risk of sudden escalation remains.   Advice: - Avoid protest-affected areas, especially São Paulo Market and Largo do Soweto. - Expect police operations and road closures in central Luanda. - Do not film or photograph demonstrations or security forces. - Keep a low profile, adjust travel routes, and limit non-essential movement. - Monitor local media for updates and follow authorities' guidance.  

China’s National Meteorological Center has issued yellow alerts for severe rainstorms and extreme heat until Sunday, August 3. Heavy downpours, strong winds, and thunderstorms are expected across numerous provinces, including Beijing, Hebei, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Fujian. A yellow alert for high temperatures is also in effect, with highs of 35°C to 39°C, and exceeding 40°C in parts of Shaanxi, Sichuan, Chongqing, and Xinjiang.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel to Beijing, Hebei, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Xinjiang, and regions at risk for floods and landslides. - Be aware of heatstroke in high-temperature areas; avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours. - If you are in affected areas, have drinking water, cooling supplies, and waterproof gear ready. - Stay updated through the National Meteorological Center (www.nmc.cn) and local emergency bulletins. - For emergencies, call 110.  

AEMET (Spain’s meteorological agency) has issued a special alert for extreme temperatures as a tropical air mass spreads across mainland Spain. Temperatures are forecast to exceed 40°C (104°F) in several inland regions in the coming days. Red and orange alerts are active for heat-related health risks and increased wildfire danger.   Advice: •⁠ ⁠Avoid outdoor activity between 12:00 and 18:00, especially in red and orange alert zones. •⁠ ⁠Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and wear light, breathable clothing. •⁠ ⁠Check on vulnerable people such as the elderly, young children, and those with chronic conditions. •⁠ ⁠Monitor official updates via AEMET: www.aemet.es/en  

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind from 6 a.m. Monday, August 4, to 6 a.m. Tuesday, August 5, 2025, as Storm Floris brings unseasonably strong winds of 40–50 mph inland and up to 85 mph on exposed Scottish coasts and hills. Heavy rain may cause transport disruptions, especially in Scotland.   Advice: - Secure outdoor items like garden furniture to prevent damage from high winds. - Avoid coastal areas and high ground in Scotland due to dangerous gusts and waves. - Check travel updates via www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.trafficscotland.org; expect delays. - Stay informed via www.metoffice.gov.uk or @metoffice on X for real-time alerts. - Be cautious of falling debris; avoid walking under trees during strong winds. - If caught in severe weather, seek shelter and call 999 for emergencies.  

On August 5, 2025, public healthcare workers in Mendoza, organized by the State Workers Association (ATE), will hold a 24-hour strike to demand higher salaries. The work stoppage may disrupt public hospital and clinic services across the province, with potential delays or cancellations of non-emergency medical appointments.   Advice: - Avoid public hospitals in Mendoza on August 5; seek private clinics for urgent medical needs. - Contact healthcare providers in advance to confirm appointment availability. - Travelers should monitor local news or www.ate.org.ar for strike updates. - Expect possible delays in emergency services; carry essential medications. - If attending protests, avoid confrontations with authorities to prevent risks. - For medical emergencies, call 911 or visit private facilities like Hospital Italiano.  

On August 1, 2025, New York City declared a state of emergency due to severe flash flooding from heavy rainfall, overwhelming drainage systems. The storms suspended subway and LIRR services, closed roads, and caused over 8,000 flight delays nationwide. Emergency services are conducting water rescues.   Advice: - Avoid travel in NYC; check www.mta.info for subway and www.nyc.gov for road updates. - Stay off flooded roads; do not drive through standing water. - Move to higher ground if in low-lying areas like Queens or the Bronx. - Monitor www.weather.gov or @NYCEmergencyMgt on X for real-time alerts. - Keep emergency supplies (food, water, flashlight) ready. - If trapped in floodwaters, call 911 immediately.  

On August 1, 2025, the U.S. CDC announced plans to issue a travel health notice for China due to a chikungunya outbreak in Guangdong, with over 6,100 cases reported, primarily in Foshan, since early July. The mosquito-borne virus, spread by Aedes mosquitoes, causes fever and severe joint pain. Local authorities are intensifying mosquito control, including a week-long eradication campaign in Foshan starting July 31. No deaths have been reported, but the outbreak has spread to Macau and Beijing.   Advice: - Use DEET-based insect repellent and wear long sleeves/pants in Guangdong, especially during daytime. - Avoid areas with standing water in Foshan and Guangzhou to reduce mosquito exposure. - Travelers should check www.cdc.gov/travel for updates before visiting Guangdong. - Monitor symptoms (fever, joint pain, rash); seek medical help if they appear. - Stay informed via www.cma.gov.cn or WHO (www.who.int) for outbreak updates. - If symptomatic, contact health services (120) or isolate to prevent further spread.  

On August 1, 2025, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts reduced rainfall but warns of heavy showers in 50 provinces, particularly in the upper northeastern areas like Bung Kan, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhon Phanom, due to a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam and a weakened southwest monsoon. Thunderstorms are expected in 30% of northern and central regions, with temperatures ranging from 23–26°C to 32–36°C. In the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, waves of 1–2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in storms, pose risks for mariners.   Advice: - Exercise caution in Bung Kan and Nakhon Phanom; avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding. - Secure outdoor items and stay indoors during thunderstorms in Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai. - Travelers should check road conditions and delay non-essential trips in affected areas. - Stay informed via TMD (www.tmd.go.th) for real-time alerts. Flood risks may escalate rapidly. - Mariners in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand should avoid stormy areas; small boats should stay ashore. - If caught in heavy rain, seek shelter and contact emergency services (191) if needed.