Extreme Weather Events
Climate is associated with identified probabilities of different weather events. Heat waves, droughts and flooding are less likely to occur and therefore have a “low” probability. The “least” likely events, in a statistical sense, are called “ extreme events.” Extreme weather in one region (e.g., a heat wave) may be normal in another. In both regions nature and society adapt to their “average” weather, but less so to the extremes. For example, tropical African temperatures could have severe impacts on vegetation or human health if they occurred in Northern Europe. Impacts of extreme events are felt strongly by ecosystems and society and can be destructive.