Storm Kirk, intensified by climate change, brings France record rainfall

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Le Monde or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Storm Kirk, intensified by climate change, has caused record rainfall across France, disrupting daily life and leading to widespread flooding
• In many areas, a month's worth of rain fell in just 24 hours, breaking historical records for October

🔭 The context: France has already experienced a 30% surplus in rainfall this year, with September marking the wettest month in 25 years
• Global warming has intensified the storm, with scientists estimating a 20% increase in rainfall and a 12% boost in winds due to climate change

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: As climate change progresses, storms like Kirk are expected to become more frequent and severe, fueled by warmer oceans and more moisture in the atmosphere, posing greater threats of flooding and extreme weather

⏭️ What's next: Scientists warn that without action to curb greenhouse gas emissions, more intense storms and hurricanes will continue to reshape weather patterns in Europe, with rising impacts on infrastructure and public safety

💬 One quote: “Hurricane Kirk is a clear sign of how climate change... is altering our weather” – climatologist Davide Faranda

📈 One stat: Paris recorded 71 mm of rain in one day, a record not seen since 1920 for the month of October

Click for more news covering the latest on climate change