Climate News | March Global Cutting-Edge Climate Science Research & Extreme Weather Events

1. Will “El Niño” make this year “super hot”?

Global authoritative climate agencies recently warned that a relatively strong El Niño climate event is forming and is expected to appear as early as this summer. This natural climate cycle could disrupt global weather patterns in the coming months, bringing extreme heat, floods, and droughts.

On March 8, 2026, local time, a supercell storm made landfall in Fernandina Beach, Florida, USA, bringing lightning and heavy rain to the port. Visual China Photo

Based on the latest monitoring data and the predictive results from various domestic and international climate models, the recent La Niña state is tending towards an end, and a neutral state is expected to follow, with tropical sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific continuing to rise. A news release from the World Meteorological Organization indicates that 2025 will be one of the three hottest years on record, continuing the trend of record-high global temperatures. Some experts suggest that under the overall uplift of global temperature baseline, it is highly likely that global temperatures in 2026 will still be at “warm high levels,” and the occurrence of El Niño may push temperatures higher, making 2026 or 2027 likely to break the record set in 2024 and become the hottest year in history.

On March 23, 2026, local time, in Artvin Province, Turkey, high temperatures persist, and the water level in the reservoir of a hydroelectric power station is declining, revealing the submerged buildings of the village of Narlik.

2. Severe flooding caused by heavy rain in multiple regions of Kenya

According to the Kenyan Ministry of Interior, severe flooding caused by heavy rain in multiple areas of Kenya since March has resulted in 88 deaths and over 34,000 people displaced. The report states that two rivers in western Kenya breached their banks on the 23rd due to heavy rain, flooding surrounding farmland and roads. Currently, at least 21 counties in the country are affected by flooding, with Nairobi County having the highest death toll at 37. The local meteorological department has stated that intermittent rainfall is expected in some areas, and the risk of landslides and flooding remains high.

On March 22, 2026, local time, in Kisumu County, Kenya, people are herding livestock out of the flooded area. Visual China

3. The world’s first aerosol forecasting AI model released

The world’s first aerosol forecasting AI model, AI-GAMFS, led by Chinese scientists, was published on March 5 in the international academic journal “Nature.” This model can achieve high-precision environmental meteorological forecasts globally for the next five days at three-hour intervals within one minute, providing strong support for accurate early warnings of global aerosol pollution events such as sandstorms, wildfires, and haze. Currently, AI-GAMFS has completed the entire chain from scientific research breakthroughs to practical application, being implemented in the Central Meteorological Observatory and more than ten meteorological departments in provinces (autonomous regions) such as Shaanxi and Ningxia. During the strong sandstorm events that China experienced in April and November 2025 and February 2026, AI-GAMFS provided accurate forecasts five days in advance, offering strong support for operational consultations. Internationally, AI-GAMFS has officially connected with the Chinese Meteorological Administration’s “Mazu (MAZU)” national early warning cloud platform to begin providing forecasting services globally.

The aerosol forecasting AI model AI-GAMFS was published on March 5 in the international academic journal “Nature.”

Model architecture and forecasting strategy

Global aerosol optical thickness and sand dust optical thickness five-day operational forecasting performance: AI-GAMFS compared with CAMS evaluation

Global aerosol optical components and regional near-surface component concentration five-day operational forecasting performance: AI-GAMFS compared with GEOS-FP evaluation

4. Multiple regions in Malaysia experience extreme high temperatures

The Malaysian Meteorological Department stated on the 23rd that multiple areas in the country have experienced several days of sustained high temperatures, prompting high-temperature alerts for 14 regions in the Malay Peninsula. The Malaysian Ministry of Health indicated that there have already been deaths related to high temperatures, and the public should be vigilant against extreme heat. The Malaysian Meteorological Department noted that the areas affected by the high temperatures are mainly concentrated in the northern states, with some areas in Kedah maintaining maximum temperatures between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius for several consecutive days. Malaysian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Arthur Joseph Kurup stated that climate change is a major challenge that requires collective action from all parties, and Malaysia will intensify research on climate change to support the formulation of more sustainable and resilient national climate policies.

On March 17, 2026, local time, in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, the city skyline under high temperatures. Visual China Photo

5. Climate warming “reveals” Antarctic mineral resources, 2048 mining ban may face challenges

As global climate continues to warm, Antarctica, the snow-covered “white continent,” is gradually revealing its true form. A recent study predicts that the large-scale retreat of the Antarctic ice sheet in the coming decades will expose thousands of square miles of land, rich in mineral resources such as copper, iron, gold, silver, platinum, and cobalt, potentially sparking intense competition for mining rights in the near future.

On March 7, 2026, local time, in Antarctica, scientists from Turkey’s National Antarctic Science Expedition Team found a significant reduction in glacial area in the same location on Boot Island by comparing images taken over the past ten years. Visual China Photo

Currently, less than 0.6% of the Antarctic continent is ice-free, mainly distributed along coastlines, mountains, valleys, and cliffs. Research shows that as global warming driven by fossil fuel combustion intensifies, the melting of the Antarctic ice sheet and glaciers will continue. However, the minerals found in some ice-free areas of the Antarctic indicate the presence of potentially valuable resources including copper, iron, gold, silver, platinum, and cobalt. Notably, copper resources are particularly enticing. Estimates suggest that in the Antarctic Peninsula region alone, up to 12 to 25 million tons of copper resources will be exposed as the ice retreats. Despite the allure of these resources, experts also point out the significant real challenges of mining in Antarctica.

On March 7, 2026, local time, in Antarctica, scientists from Turkey’s National Antarctic Science Expedition Team observed significant retreat of the Hosschu Island Smith Glacier area over the past decade, which is currently shrinking at a rate of about 3 centimeters per day. Visual China Photo

6. Rare early spring heat wave hits the western United States

The western United States is experiencing a rare early spring heat wave this week, with temperatures significantly higher than the historical averages for this time of year. The National Weather Service issued a forecast on the 17th stating that this round of hot weather will last for several days, with some areas possibly breaking daily maximum temperature records, even surpassing local historical high temperatures for March.

On March 16, 2026, local time, in San Francisco, USA, after a heat warning was issued, people gathered at Baker Beach near the Golden Gate Bridge. Visual China Photo

According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, the western United States is experiencing summer-like temperatures this week due to an exceptionally strong high-pressure system. The high temperatures are widespread, extending from the U.S. West Coast to inland plains. The National Weather Service also noted that hundreds of people in the U.S. die from heat every year. Meteorological departments remind the public to take measures to prevent heat-related illnesses, minimize outdoor activities during hot periods, and stay hydrated to reduce health risks associated with high temperatures.

On March 19, 2026, local time, in Dallas, Texas, people are running in a wading pool in a park to cool off during the hot weather. Visual China Photo

7. Heavy rain in southern Pakistan leads to 17 deaths

The official emergency rescue organization “Rescue 1122” in Pakistan reported on the 19th that Karachi, the capital of Sindh Province in southern Pakistan, experienced heavy rain on the evening of the 18th, resulting in at least 17 deaths and 30 injuries. A spokesperson for “Rescue 1122” stated that the heavy rain exposed the vulnerability of local infrastructure, with many buildings in Karachi collapsing. Karachi’s mayor, Murtaza Wahab, stated that the city is suffering from heavy rain and strong winds, advising citizens to avoid unnecessary travel. Due to flooding in multiple areas of the city, transportation and daily life have been affected, and several working groups have been dispatched to respond to the emergencies. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong winds, and sporadic hail will continue to affect Karachi and other areas of Sindh Province on the 19th.

On March 19, 2026, local time, in Karachi, Pakistan, vehicles drive on flooded roads. Xinhua News Agency Photo

On March 19, 2026, local time, in Karachi, Pakistan, residents stand beside the ruins of collapsed walls after heavy rain and strong winds. Visual China Photo

8. Global nuclear power capacity under construction reaches new high, COP31 to focus on nuclear energy

On the 12th, Fatih Birol, Director of the International Energy Agency, stated at a press conference in Istanbul for the COP31 host country preparation process that the global nuclear power capacity under construction has reached about 70 gigawatts, a new high in 40 years. Renewable energy and nuclear energy will become the two pillars of clean energy, with nuclear energy being indispensable as a reliable, all-weather energy source. Currently, there is a significant recovery trend in global nuclear energy, with the nuclear power capacity under construction reaching about 70 gigawatts, the highest level in 40 years. In addition, Turkey’s Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, and COP31 incoming president, Murat Kurum, pointed out that the current global geopolitical conflicts highlight the vulnerability of energy supply chains, the problems brought by climate change are intensifying, and both global food and energy systems are under pressure, hence COP31 will focus on issues such as clean energy transition, climate-resilient urban development, and implementation mechanisms for climate action.

On March 12, 2026, local time, in Petit-Caux, France, at the construction site of the new EPR2 reactor at the Penly Nuclear Power Plant. French President Macron announced a nuclear expansion plan in 2022 to build six EPR2 reactors at Penly, Gravelines, and Bugey. Visual China Photo

9. The last glaciers: only four remain in Germany, all may disappear by the 2030s

German researchers released study findings on the eve of World Glacier Day, stating that due to climate change, the four remaining glaciers in Germany are accelerating their melting and may all disappear by the 2030s. The latest measurements from institutions, including the Bavarian Academy of Sciences, show that the total area of the four existing glaciers in Germany decreased by more than one-quarter between 2023 and 2025. Among them, the Blaueis Glacier and the Watzmann Glacier both shrank by over 40%, located in the Alpine region of Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany.

On August 13, 2025, local time, in Berchtesgaden, Germany, the Blaueis Glacier is nearly gone. Visual China Photo

Researchers stated that between 2023 and 2025, the four glaciers collectively lost about one million cubic meters of ice, with average ice thickness decreasing by 1.6 meters per year, significantly faster than the melting rate between 2018 and 2023. Researchers believe that this is primarily related to the persistently high temperatures in the Alpine region in recent years against the backdrop of climate change.

On August 11, 2023, local time, in Bavaria, Germany, snow on the Watzmann Glacier is slowly diminishing. Visual China Photo

Researchers claim that glacier melting is one of the most visible signs of the climate crisis. The warming in the Alpine region is about twice the global average. The dark debris exposed after glacier melting absorbs more heat, further accelerating the melting process. In recent decades, at least 600 glaciers have disappeared globally. The 2025 Frozen Circle Report indicates that global glacier ice loss is increasing exponentially.

10. World Meteorological Organization: Earth’s climate is in the most severe state of imbalance on record

The World Meteorological Organization reported on the 23rd that due to greenhouse gas emissions causing continuous warming of the atmosphere and oceans as well as ice melt, the Earth’s climate is in the most severe state of imbalance observed on record. These rapid and large-scale changes have occurred within just a few decades, but their harmful impacts will persist for hundreds or even thousands of years.

On March 14, 2026, local time, in Cairo, Egypt, a dust storm swept through Cairo, covering local landmark buildings. Visual China Photo

The report confirms that the years 2015 to 2025 are the hottest 11 years on record, with 2025 being one of the three hottest years on record. Extreme weather events globally, including heatwaves, heavy rains, and tropical cyclones, have caused destruction and disaster, highlighting economic and social vulnerabilities. The report also shows that the average annual sea ice extent in the Arctic in 2025 is at or near the lowest level on record; the average annual sea ice extent in Antarctica is the third lowest on record, only higher than in 2023 and 2024.

On March 14, 2026, local time, at the Kilpisjärvi Biological Station in Finland, Arctic expedition divers conduct underwater sampling to understand how climate change is altering polar regions of the world. Visual China Photo

Since observations began in 1960, the Earth’s energy imbalance has been steadily increasing, especially over the past 20 years, this condition has further worsened. In 2025, the extent of the Earth’s energy imbalance reached a historic high.

Source of text and images: Xinhua News Agency, CCTV News, United Nations, “Nature” journal, The Paper, Visual China