Dry Spell Continues with a Warm Weekend – ABC7 WWSB

Regional Weather Analysis and Sustainable Development Goal Implications

Florida Suncoast Weather System: Impacts on Community Health and Resource Management

A series of cold fronts is projected to impact the Florida region, introducing significant atmospheric changes without precipitation. These weather patterns have direct implications for several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning water resources, community health, and environmental stability.

• Atmospheric and Temperature Fluctuations:
  1. An initial increase in temperature and humidity is expected over the weekend, with dew points reaching approximately 70°F.
  2. A frontal passage on Monday will shift winds to the North, causing a decrease in temperature and humidity.
  3. A second front on Wednesday night will result in temperatures dropping 10°F below average, with highs in the 70s and dew points in the 50s.
• Resource Management and Environmental Health (SDG 6, SDG 15): The complete absence of rainfall during this period raises concerns related to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), as prolonged dry conditions can strain water resources and increase the risk of drought. This also impacts SDG 15 (Life on Land) by elevating the potential for wildfires and stressing local ecosystems.
• Public Safety and Infrastructure (SDG 3, SDG 11, SDG 14):
  • Strong easterly winds of 15 to 25 mph are forecast, posing a public safety risk in recreational areas. This highlights the importance of resilient community infrastructure and public awareness campaigns, aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
  • A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Sunday evening, with winds of 20 to 25 knots and waves of 2 to 5 feet. These conditions impact maritime safety and economic activities, directly relevant to SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Caribbean Tropical Cyclone ‘Melissa’: A Threat to Health, Infrastructure, and Ecosystems

A near-stationary tropical storm, Melissa, located in the Caribbean, presents a severe threat to multiple nations, underscoring the vulnerability of island states to extreme weather events, a key focus of SDG 13 (Climate Action).

• Storm Characteristics and Projections:
  1. Location: Approximately 170 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica.
  2. Intensity: Maximum sustained winds near 70 mph, with hurricane conditions expected.
  3. Path: The storm is projected to affect Jamaica, Haiti, and eastern Cuba over the coming week.
• Humanitarian and Infrastructure Impact (SDG 3, SDG 6, SDG 11):
  • The storm is predicted to cause catastrophic flash flooding and landslides, posing a significant threat to human life and health, a critical concern for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
  • Projected rainfall of 15 to 25 inches (with localized totals up to 35 inches) in Hispaniola and Jamaica threatens to overwhelm sanitation systems and contaminate water sources, directly challenging the objectives of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
  • The potential for widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and communities highlights the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure as outlined in SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
• Ecological Impact (SDG 15): The forecasted landslides and flooding will cause severe degradation to terrestrial ecosystems, impacting biodiversity and land stability, which are central to SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article warns of “catastrophic flash flooding and landslides” from an impending storm. Such natural disasters pose direct threats to human life and well-being, leading to injuries, fatalities, and the potential outbreak of waterborne diseases, all of which are concerns under SDG 3.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The article highlights the vulnerability of communities in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba to extreme weather events. The forecast of “catastrophic flash flooding and landslides” directly relates to the goal of making human settlements resilient to natural disasters.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: The article describes an extreme weather event (a tropical storm nearing hurricane strength). This connects to SDG 13, which urges action to combat climate change and its impacts, including strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters. The weather forecast itself is a tool for climate adaptation.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.d: “Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.” The weather report acts as an early warning system, providing critical information about an approaching storm to help communities in Jamaica and Haiti prepare and mitigate the health risks associated with floods and landslides.
• Target 11.5: “By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations.” The article’s detailed forecast about the storm’s intensity and path is a crucial component of disaster risk reduction strategies aimed at achieving this target by enabling timely evacuation and preparation.
• Target 13.1: “Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.” The entire article, as a weather forecast and advisory, is an example of a measure that builds resilience. It provides specific information on wind speeds, rainfall, and potential hazards, which are essential for communities to adapt and respond to the immediate impacts of a climate-related hazard.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• The article provides specific meteorological data that function as early warning indicators for a natural hazard. While not official UN indicators, they are the underlying data used to measure the severity of the event and trigger responses. These include:
  • Wind Speed: “Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 70 mph.” This measures the intensity of the storm.
  • Projected Rainfall: “Melissa is projected to bring 15 to 25 inches of rain… with localized totals of up to 35 inches possible.” This quantifies the risk of flooding.
  • Hazard Identification: The article explicitly names the expected hazards: “hurricane conditions,” “catastrophic flash flooding and landslides,” and issues a “Small Craft Advisory.”
  • Geographic Impact Area: The forecast specifies the locations at risk (“near or over Jamaica,” “impacting eastern Cuba,” “southern Hispaniola”), which is crucial for targeted warnings.
• The existence and dissemination of the weather report itself imply the functioning of an early warning system, which is a key component of indicators for Targets 11.5 and 13.1, such as those measuring the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

Source: mysuncoast.com