In parts of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and London, up to 60-80mm of rain fell and in some cases more than 50mm in an hour. This led to localized flooding, in part due to very dry ground conditions that allowed water to run off very quickly. There were also thousands of lightning strikes across the region, particularly in the early hours. Despite the heavy rainfall on Thursday, several more significant rainfall events will be required before groundwater levels are restored to normal conditions and very dry weather is forecast for the next few days. Meanwhile, torrential rains have continued to cause widespread and severe flooding in parts of Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan in recent days. Over the weekend, an estimated nine deaths were reported south of Kabul in Logar province, while up to 40 people died in flooding in bordering Pakistan. As the clean-up operation begins, it has been reported that more than 900 people have died due to monsoon rains in Pakistan since June and thousands more have been displaced by mandatory evacuations as floodwaters rise. Although the monsoon is a seasonal weather phenomenon that has historically brought severe flooding, the intensity and frequency of rainfall has increased in recent times, which is believed to be linked to climate collapse. Parts of China have endured months of extreme heat this summer, making it the worst heat wave since records began in China nearly 60 years ago. Maximum temperatures over the past few days in the south-western provinces have continued to reach the high 30s or low 40s, with overnight minimums not dropping below 20 degrees in places. Scientists believe the heatwave in China this year may rank as the worst anywhere in the world in recorded history.
