News & Reports

Storm Nuria is expected to significantly impact the Iberian Peninsula and surrounding regions. The Canary Islands will feel the storm's effects first, with maximum red alerts issued due to forecasts of hurricane-force winds and heavy rain starting Thursday, April 3. Following this, all of Portugal will be under weather warnings beginning Friday, April 4, as heavy rain and strong winds are anticipated. In Spain, the regions of Galicia, Castile and León, and La Rioja, along with France's Pyrénées-Orientales, are advised to prepare for heavy rainfall and severe winds on Thursday and Friday.​   Advice: - Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm's peak to reduce risk from hazardous conditions.​ - Remain indoors as much as possible, especially during periods of heavy rain and strong winds.​ - Have flashlights, batteries, and other essentials ready in case of electricity disruptions.​ - Regularly check local news and official weather advisories for the latest information on Storm Nuria's progression.  

In observance of China's Qingming Festival on April 4, authorities will temporarily close several border crossings between Mongolia and China. The affected checkpoints include Bulgan, Burgastai, Shivee Khuren, Gashuun Sukhait, Khangi, Zamyn-Uud, Bichigt, Sumber, Bayankhoshuu, and Khavirga.​   Advice: - If you intend to travel across the Mongolia-China border on April 4, reschedule your plans to accommodate the closures.​ - Monitor official announcements from Mongolian and Chinese border authorities for any updates regarding border operations.​ - Contact local border control offices or relevant governmental agencies for specific inquiries or clarifications.​ - Anticipate potential delays or increased traffic at border crossings before and after the holiday period.  

The Unitary Central of Workers (CUT) has called for a nationwide strike on April 3, with a demonstration planned outside Alameda 1346 in Santiago starting at 11:00 local time (14:00 GMT). The protest addresses concerns over pension reforms, the high cost of living, and various labor and social demands.​   Advice: - To minimize exposure to potential disruptions or large crowds, steer clear of Alameda 1346 and its vicinity during the demonstration.​ - Anticipate road closures and traffic congestion around the protest site; consider alternative routes to reach your destination.​ - Public transportation services near the demonstration area may experience delays or rerouting; check schedules and plan accordingly. - Be aware of your surroundings, and be prepared to leave the area if tensions escalate.​  

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a major flood warning for the Paroo River at Wanaaring due to heavy rainfall. Heavy rainfall also affected roads and properties in Walgett Shire and Bourke Shire. Minor flooding occurs at Willara Crossing, with river levels expected to rise above the moderate flood level (3.30 meters) towards the end of the week and exceed the major flood level (4.00 meters) from early next week. ​   Advice: - Avoid unnecessary travel and stay updated on road conditions through local news outlets and official traffic management websites before heading out the road. - Do not attempt to walk, drive, or ride through floodwaters, as they can be deceptive and dangerous. ​ - Ensure you have essential supplies such as water, food, medications, and batteries. - Regularly monitor updates from the Bureau of Meteorology (http://www.bom.gov.au/) and NSW State Emergency Service (https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/) for the latest flood information. ​

The Weather Prediction Center and National Weather Service warn of life-threatening flash flooding and strong tornadoes across the Midwest and South, starting Tuesday, April 1, 2025, and intensifying Wednesday through Saturday. A potent storm system threatens 43 million people, with heavy rain, hail, and tornadoes expected.   Advice: - Tuesday (Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri): Prepare for supercell storms tonight, seek shelter if near Oklahoma City, Wichita, or Topeka, where strong tornadoes and 2-inch hail are risks; avoid driving in severe winds. - Wednesday-Saturday (Texas to Michigan): Brace for repeated heavy rain (up to 15 inches) in Arkansas, west Tennessee, western Kentucky, and southern Indiana, and avoid flood-prone areas as cars could be swept away; monitor alerts in Chicago, St. Louis, Memphis, and Nashville for tornadoes and high winds. - Upper Midwest (Michigan, Wisconsin): Stay off icy roads Tuesday night-Wednesday due to sleet and freezing rain, stock up on essentials amid power outages affecting 200,000+ in Michigan. - Eastern Dakotas, Minnesota: Prepare for heavy snow Tuesday night-Wednesday, limit travel, and ensure heating supplies are ready. - Keep emergency kits handy and follow NWS updates, as this rare, quarter-century rainfall event escalates flood and storm dangers.  

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast severe thunderstorms with hail, heavy rain, and strong winds for Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in parts of South Africa, while other regions will see cool to warm conditions. Yellow Level 2 and 1 warnings highlight risks of localized disruptions.   Advice: - Thunderstorm Areas: Prepare for disruptions in affected regionsو and stay indoors during heavy rain, hail, or winds to avoid hazards like flooding or falling debris; specific provinces to be confirmed with SAWS updates. - Cool to Warm Regions: Dress for variable temperatures (likely 15-28°C based on recent trends), layer clothing, and stay hydrated in warmer areas. - General: Monitor SAWS for detailed provincial forecasts and real-time alerts, as severe weather may shift rapidly across South Africa’s nine provinces.  

Severe storms have battered Greek islands for a second day on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, with Crete recording the heaviest rainfall near Chania, alongside ongoing recovery efforts on Paros and Mykonos from Monday’s torrential downpours, hailstorms, and damaging winds.   Advice: - Crete: Avoid driving near Chania and flood-prone areas, and stay indoors as storms move southeast. - Paros & Mykonos: Steer clear of flooded zones where cars floated into the sea and debris blocks roads. authorities are clearing damage, but infrastructure remains compromised. - Rhodes: Watch for fallen trees and damaged vehicles due to gale-force winds, limit outdoor activity, and secure loose items. - Cyclades Travel: Expect ferry disruptions and school closures; check updates before traveling to these popular vacation spots. - Monitor local weather and emergency alerts, as the region reels from recent storms and a prior earthquake swarm near Santorini.  

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall over Kerala, Mahe, south interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, coastal and north interior Karnataka, and coastal Andhra Pradesh in the coming days as pre-monsoon weather intensifies, starting April 1, 2025. Heat wave conditions are also expected in Saurashtra & Kutch for two days and West Rajasthan for three days.   Advice: - Heavy Rainfall Areas: Prepare for violent weather in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding, and secure outdoor items against strong winds. - Coastal Regions: Exercise caution along coastal Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, limit sea-related activities due to potential rough conditions. - Heat Wave Zones: Stay hydrated and avoid midday heat in Saurashtra & Kutch (April 1-2) and West Rajasthan (April 1-3) as temperatures soar. - Monitor IMD updates closely, as pre-monsoon patterns may shift rapidly across these regions.  

The Pilcomayo and Bermejo rivers have overflowed, causing severe flooding and flash floods in Salta Province's Chaco region. These floods have led to significant damage and power outages and have been exacerbated by intense winds exceeding 100 km/h. Local authorities have activated emergency protocols and are conducting evacuations in high-risk areas. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next 48 hours. ​   Advice: - Do not attempt to walk or drive through flooded streets, as water depth and currents can be deceptive and dangerous.​ - Adhere strictly to evacuation orders and guidelines issued by local authorities.​ - Flooding can contaminate water supplies; use bottled or boiled water for drinking and cooking.​ - Monitor alerts from Argentina's National Meteorological Service (www.smn.gob.ar) and local authorities. - In emergencies, dial 103 (Civil Defense) or 911 (Emergency Services).  

Pro-Palestinian activists plan to protest near the Embassy of Hungary in Tokyo on April 2, starting at 14:00 local time (05:00 GMT), demanding the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of his anticipated visit to Hungary.​   Advice: - To minimize exposure to potential disruptions, steer clear of the vicinity around the Embassy of Hungary during the protest.​ - Anticipate possible road closures or traffic congestion; consider using alternative pathways to reach your destination.​ - While the protest is intended to be peaceful, large gatherings can be unpredictable, maintain a safe distance from the demonstration. - Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions with protesters or bystanders, and If tensions escalate - leave immediately to ensure personal safety.