Climate Impact Report – 4/28
April 28, 2025
tags
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15,300
acres
burnedAs of Sunday, the Jones Road Fire in New Jersey has burned 15,300 acres and is 65% contained.
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midwest
severe stormsStarting Monday, the Upper Midwest was expected to face a multiday outbreak of severe storms, including large hail, destructive winds, and intense tornadoes.
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historic river
floodingHistoric rainfall levels continue to inundate the Mississippi River Valley, with some impacted areas not expected to see water below flood stage until mid-May.
Key Facts Of The Day 4/28
Storms and Flooding
- Starting Monday afternoon, the Upper Midwest was forecast to experience a multiday outbreak of severe storms, including large hail, destructive winds, and intense tornadoes.
- Since Thursday, the western High Plains has experienced severe weather conditions, including hail as large as apples, wind gusts that reached up to 75 mph, and an isolated tornado on Sunday night.
- Starting Monday, the Upper Midwest was issued a “high risk” for severe weather. Portions of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin were expected to be most at risk.
- The storms were forecast to produce hail as large as tennis balls, damaging winds up to 60 mph, and a risk of tornadoes.
- Portions of the Tennessee, Ohio, and Mississippi valleys inundated with historic rainfall at the beginning of April are expected to receive an additional two to four inches of rainfall this week. The extra rounds of heavy rain are expected to create moderate flooding and road closures.
- Some areas of the Mississippi River are not expected to see water dip below flood stage until the middle of May due to the multiple rounds of rainfall.
Wildfires
- As of Sunday, the Jones Road Fire in New Jersey has burned 15,300 acres and is 65% contained.
- On Sunday, an “increased risk of rapid fire spread” warning was issued for portions of southern New Jersey. Low humidity levels, vegetation, and wind gusts of up to 40 mph complicated efforts to contain the fire.
- As of Monday, one commercial building and multiple outbuildings and vehicles had been destroyed.
- On Monday, high temperatures and sustained winds of up to 20 mph fueled critical fire weather conditions in Southern New Mexico and portions of Texas and Colorado.
Extreme Heat
- Researchers found that climate change is now the primary driver of biodiversity loss in the United States.
- The study found that when investigating the threats facing 2,766 species on the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) list, climate change was the most far-reaching biodiversity threat, impacting 91% of ESA-listed species.