Free Republic

The states of Goa and Maharashtra have been badly affected, with many feared missing near the financial hub Mumbai. At least 136 people have died in Maharashtra, while in neighbouring Goa hundreds of homes have been damaged. Many factors contribute to flooding, but experts say climate change caused by global warming makes extreme rainfall more likely. Heavy rains and flooding have also hit western Europe and parts of China in recent weeks, while North America has grappled with scorching heatwaves. The monsoon season in India lasts from June to September each year. Rescuers have struggled to reach affected residents. Landslides...

A nearly stationary weather pattern is going to equal a busy, unsettled weather week for most of us east of the Rockies. First of several impulses is spinning around a cut-off upper rotation over the Plains. It his bringing a band of rain/showers from the Mississippi River eastward and I-70 northward, today. The next piece of energy will rotate eastward out of the 4-corners region on Wednesday and by late Wednesday evening will be making its way into southeast Kansas. This will set up for the potential of some strong and even severe thunderstorms Wednesday late afternoon through early Thursday...

Powerful storms in North Korea have left "hundreds" dead or missing and destroyed more than 30,000 homes, the country's state media reported Tuesday. The official Korean Central News Agency said preliminary information revealed the massive casualties after the heavy rains that began last week, but gave no specific figures. It also reported flooding of tens of thousands of acres of farmland in the impoverished country that suffers from regular food shortages. "The heavy rain destroyed at least 800 public buildings, over 540 bridges, 70 sections of railroads and at least 1,100 vehicles, pumps and electric motors," KCNA said. Hardest hit...