Commercial ships passing through the Panama Canal face surging costs and 10-day delays due to Middle East conflict disrupting alternative routes and El Niño-driven low water levels, with one vessel paying $4m to skip the queue.
A strong El Niño event, potentially the strongest in 70 years, is forecasted to push approximately 50 million more people into acute hunger by the end of 2027, exacerbating existing food insecurity affecting hundreds of millions globally.
A strengthening El Niño is forecast to bring hotter, drier conditions globally from August to October, threatening India's monsoon and increasing drought, floods, and wildfire risks. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns of "uncharted territory" and calls for urgent action on fossil fuels.
Japanese airlines canceled over 100 flights on Friday due to two approaching tropical storms. Authorities urged evacuations in some areas, fearing flooding and landslides. The storms may interact, creating the Fujiwhara effect and complicating forecasts.
Typhoon Jangmi is forecast to impact Okinawa, Japan, with strong winds and heavy rain. Meanwhile, southern Australia braces for severe winds and potential snow, while southern Europe experiences unusually high temperatures.
