Climate Impact Report – 6/18

June 18, 2025

Key Facts Of The Day 6/16

On Wednesday, the death toll from the devastating flash floods that have been impacting West Virginia since last week reached eight storm-related deaths.
- As of Wednesday, a state of emergency and flood watches remained in effect.
On Wednesday, more than 100 million Americans were under alert for severe weather, including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, and flash flooding.
On Wednesday, Hurricane Erick formed as a Category 1 storm in the Pacific Ocean.
- The storm was located about 160 miles south-southeast of Puerto Ángel, Mexico, and had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. The hurricane is forecast to bring up to 20 inches of rain across southern Mexican states, creating a risk for flooding and mudslides.
On Tuesday, more than 100 Girl Scouts and volunteers were rescued from a campsite in North Park, Pennsylvania, after a nearby creek overflowed. More than two inches of rain fell in the area, triggering a flash flood.

As of Wednesday, two wildfires in New Mexico were burning over 80,000 acres, prompting evacuation orders and an emergency response from state officials.
Nearly 2,000 homes were forced to evacuate, and 875 personnel and 10 helicopters were deployed to slow the fires.
On Tuesday, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency.
As of Wednesday, hot, dry, windy weather was contributing to the spread of both fires, making conditions difficult for firefighters.
- As of Wednesday, the Buck Fire had burned 57,753 acres and was 15% contained.
- As of Tuesday, the Trout Fire had burned 24,706 acres and was 0% contained.

The first significant heat wave of the season is expected to start Friday, bringing temperatures up to 101 degrees Fahrenheit to the Midwest and Northeast.
- On Wednesday, heat advisories were issued across the East Coast, including the cities of Philadelphia and Boston.
- Cities including Denver, New York City, and Philadelphia are forecast to see temperatures reach or exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit next week, breaking record daily highs.
Due to high humidity levels, triple-digit heat indexes are also expected, posing significant health risks, especially for people without access to air conditioning.