Extreme weather “Hans” has ravaged southern Norway recently. When “Hans” had just arrived in Norway on Monday, climate researcher Hans Olav Hygen at the Meteorological Institute called the storm a particularly extreme weather.
He also said that it was unique that so much rainfall came from the east. But how did “Hans” actually come about?
– It has a history that started in the Mediterranean and out into the Atlantic at the same time. Then there were powerful systems there that moved through Europe and up to us, joined together and then drew in large amounts of moist air around Sweden into Norway, explains Hygen.
That is what has produced the traumatic consequences we have seen in recent days.
The caravans float: – No overview
Was assumed before
Many have wondered why the red warning, which was sent out on Sunday, did not come earlier. The climate scientist says that the extreme weather was actually somewhat predictable before Sunday.
– At the same time, we had another warning out, and to avoid people mixing these two up – because it could have been so difficult to deal with if people misunderstood and mixed up the two extreme situations – we had to wait until the previous episode started to subside a little, explains Hygen.
According to him, the meteorologists issued a warning as early as possible.
– AWFUL: The Rædergård family was hit hard by the extreme weather “Hans”, when their nail tent disappeared from the campsite in Valdres. Video: Private. Reporter: Bjørge Dahle Johansen / Dagbladet TV Show more
– The million dollar question
The climate scientist cannot give a good answer as to whether such extreme weather will happen more often now.
– It is literally the million dollar question, he says and explains:
– What we know is that a warmer climate produces more water vapor in the atmosphere, and water vapor is the big engine here. If you get enough water vapour, you can drive up the big cloud systems, heavy rainfall, strong winds and all the things that are wreaking havoc with us now. More water vapor will give more powerful systems, more extreme precipitation and more extreme winds.
According to Hygen, there is no doubt that Norway will have to prepare for more extreme rainfall in the future.
– Just keeps rising
Clear calls
The climate scientist describes the extreme weather as deeply tragic for everyone who has been badly affected by it, and says that he hopes we can avoid such a tragedy in the future.
But if this is to bring something good with it, then there are two things he still highlights.
– One is that we must prepare better for extreme weather. We have to build in a way that allows us to withstand it better, says Hygen.
80-year-old Gerd Almestrand lives on the first floor in Hønefoss and has to evacuate from “Hans”. Video: Magnus Paus / Dagbladet. view more
– At the same time, we must cut emissions and bring them down.
The climate scientist encourages everyone to think through how they use their energy.
– Be aware of the use in everyday life and see if there are things you can do to cut down. Everything from simple things like going to the shop instead of driving. Think through your everyday life and see how you can use a little less resources and be just as good, emphasizes Hygen.
2023-08-10 22:23:18
#Climate #scientist #sounds #alarm
