Climate Impact Report – 3/2

Quick Facts

As of Thursday morning, nearly 40 million people across parts of the Southern Plains and parts of the South are at some level of risk for severe thunderstorms.
- The system is expected to trigger isolated supercell storms across central Texas and southern Oklahoma beginning Thursday afternoon, which carry the largest risk for violent tornadoes and large hail.
As of Thursday morning, more than 20 million people from Oklahoma to Ohio are under a flood watch.
On Wednesday, multiple flash flood warnings were issued in Arkansas, Alabama, and Tennessee, including reports of cars trapped in high water in Huntsville, Alabama.
On Wednesday, more than 22 inches of snow fell in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona.
For several consecutive days, California has been hit with heavy snow that has knocked out power, made roads impassable for days, and trapped residents in their homes.
- On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency for 13 counties in California.
- On Wednesday, mountain residents in San Bernardino County were still unable to access their roads, prompting crews to use snowcats and plows to provide essential services.
- Over the past week, several areas across California saw more than 100 inches of snow.
- As of Thursday morning, over 60,000 homes and businesses remain without power.

As of February 24, there are currently 2 large active wildfires that have burned 1,496 acres across the country.
As of February 24, 3,485 wildfires have burned 28,701 acres across the country.

Despite historic snow and rain, 99.39% of California is still abnormally dry or in drought.
As ocean temperatures have risen and circulation patterns changed, algal blooms increased in size by about 13% and increased in frequency by 59% between 2003 and 2020.
A new study found that extreme heat drives deaths in prisons across the U.S.
- Researchers found that a 10-degree temperature increase above the average correlated with a 5.2% increase in deaths — or a 6.7% increase among prisoners with heart disease.
- In the three days following an extreme heat day, the researchers noted a 22.8% increase in suicides.

A March 2023 study found that extreme heat drives deaths in U.S. prisons.
A March 2023 study found that between 2003 and 2020, algal blooms increased in size by about 13% and frequency by 59%.
A March 2023 report found that fossil fuel companies donated over $700 million to U.S. universities over ten years.