Extreme heat, devastating floods and icy snowstorms – several severe weather events have made headlines in 2022, constantly showcasing how powerful and destructive Mother Nature can be. Read on to find out the most shocking meteorological events of this year, including horrendous heatwaves, out-of-season hurricanes and destructive tropical storms.

In mid-January, the southeastern region of the United States was hit with freezing temperatures, high winds, snow and ice brought by winter storm Izzy. The weather event was especially drastic in North and South Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Izzy left over 100,000 people without power and North Carolina recorded up to 10 inches (25.5 cm) of snow. 

Just over a week later, the East Coast of the US was blanketed in snow as a powerful blizzard dumped more than two feet (61cm) of the white stuff along with gusts of 70 miles per hour (113km/h), leaving 10 states with flooded coastlines and blocked roads. A state of emergency was declared in New York as the blizzard was deemed "life-threatening" and high speed train services between Boston and Washington DC were cancelled. Nearly 11 million people across the Eastern Seaboard were affected by severe weather warnings.

Winter storm Malik swept through different countries in Northern Europe in January, causing hurricane-level winds and floods as well as shutting down bridges and public transportation. In Germany, the winds were particularly bad, while in England at least 130,000 homes were left without power. Scandinavian countries also experienced Storm Malik, with ferry services in the Baltic Sea cancelled, heavy snowfall throughout Finland and severe damage to houses, cars and boats in Norway.

Seven different regions in Malaysia experienced devastating floods in January. The states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan and Sabah were hit with heavier rainfalls than usual during the country’s annual monsoon season. Over 125,000 people had to be evacuated, filling more than 100 relief centres and resulting in the death of at least 50 people. It's estimated the floods caused nearly £1.2 billion ($1.5bn) worth of damages.

Several days of severe heavy rains also caused extreme flooding in areas of Oman in January. Muscat, Oman's capital, received more than 4.3 inches (110mm) of rain within just a few hours – that's typically two months' worth of the region's average January rainfall. Five people had to be rescued after they were trapped in waterlogged areas while 10 lost their lives.

In early February, different areas of the United States were covered in snow, ice and sleet with freezing cold temperatures sweeping in from New Mexico and Texas to New England. Several schools were closed during the storm while many flights were cancelled all over the country too. Texas Governor Greg Abbot even described the weather as "one of the most significant icing crises" the state has experienced in decades.

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Madagascar was battered by two severe storms in less than a month. First, Cyclone Ana wreaked havoc on the Indian Ocean island, killing 55 people. This was followed by Cyclone Batsirai, bringing gusts of 146 miles per hour (235km/h). Nearly 50,000 people were displaced and at least 10 killed while whole villages were completely destroyed and both electricity and water supplies were disrupted. 

One of the coldest spots on the planet saw a heatwave in March, as temperatures were up to 35°C (70°F) warmer than usual. Typically, the temperature hovers around the -53°C (-63°F) mark during March, but in 2022 scientists recorded -17.7°C (0°F) at the Concordia research station in East Antarctica. This huge change in temperature broke the record as the hottest ever documented in the region.

March of this year brought India the hottest month the country has on record in 122 years. The heatwave reached temperatures over 42°C (108°F), causing droughts across the country. The highest temperature recorded was in Wardha with 45°C (113°F) and as the heatwave continued into April and May, it reached highs of 50°C (122°F). Due to the extreme heat, many Indians decided to cut their shifts short or work at night, even though it meant less income.

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The tropical Cyclone Gombe ravaged Mozambique in March, causing at least 53 deaths in the African country. In recent years, cyclones have become more prominent and dangerous in Southern Africa. Scientists theorised that this recurring weather event is a result of the Indian Ocean getting warmer and fuelling cyclones’ strength.

In April 2022, the Philippines was met with a destructive storm when landslides caused by ongoing rainfall buried whole communities. Nine regions were destroyed due to extreme weather, but the city of Baybay was hit particularly badly. Over 214 people died in Tropical Storm Megi while nearly 70,000 were displaced.

For two weeks in April, Storm Issa moved through Durban and its surrounding areas with long periods of heavy rain, causing flooding and mudslides along the way. South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa declared the region in a state of disaster as many people were left without power or drinking water. The storm not only resulted in over £1.30 billion ($1.57bn) in damages but also killed more than 440 people. Heavy rains hit the region again in May, causing further destruction.

Although dust storms are common in Iraq, they have become increasingly worse and more frequent due to climate change. A severe dust storm in May was the ninth to hit the country in less than two months and this one was especially devastating as more than 5,000 people with breathing problems were admitted to hospital. Planes had to be grounded as the storm made safe flights impossible. An environment ministry official warned that in the future Iraq could have around 272 days of dust in a year.

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In May of this year, both Bangladesh and India were hit with disastrous floods with around two million people stranded in Bangladesh alone. Landslides and thunderstorms added to the destruction in both countries. For Bangladesh this is the worst flood in the country’s northeastern region in two decades. More than one hundred people died because of the weather event across both countries.

Japan recorded its worst heatwave in the country’s history during June of this year, with extreme temperatures becoming more frequent and intense on the East-Asian island. While Tokyo measured temperatures above 35°C (95°F), Isesaki reached a record of 40.2°C (104.4°F). As electricity demand increased drastically during the heatwave, Japan’s prime minister, Fumio Kishida, asked his citizens to conserve energy.

Destructive floods hit Montana in June 2022, not only damaging infrastructures around the state but even shutting down Yellowstone National Park. Large areas of the park had to be evacuated as the Yellowstone River was flooded from heavy rain and melting snow, reaching record water levels that caused rock and mudslides. Many people lost their homes or were stranded, with numerous roads and bridges destroyed.

During July, Europe experienced a record-breaking heatwave, hitting the continent's western part the worst. Many countries, including the UK and Italy, saw temperatures of over 40°C (104°F), while France is facing its third heatwave this summer as temperatures are expected to rise again. Wildfires spread through Europe; in France’s Gironde region, the fires engulfed over 49,400 acres and 37,000 people had to be evacuated. Portugal, Spain and Greece were met with similarly destructive fires. 

Much of the United States also experienced a similarly extreme heatwave in July, as over one hundred million people were placed under various heat alerts across the country. The southcentral US was worst-affected, with temperatures reaching triple digits in Fahrenheit (over 38ºC). Residents across various states were urged to stay indoors as the high temperatures lingered for over a week.

Just as evacuation orders were lifted for the deadly Oak Fire that raged through Mariposa County, another, even more ferocious fire started up in Siskiyou County. After the initial ignition, McKinney Fire swelled a staggering 62 times in size, torching vehicles and homes along its path. The blaze burned more than 50,000 acres of Klamath National Forest and at least four people died while 2,000 residents and trekkers on the Pacific Crest hiking trail were evacuated.

Kentucky was hit with historic flooding this July as its governor, Andy Beshear, declared a state of emergency. The six counties of Clay, Letcher, Floyd, Breathitt, Pike and Owsley saw the worst of it. Described as the most devastating flooding event in the state's history, federal aid had to be sent to support recovery efforts in the most affected areas, suffering from various storms, mud and landslides. At least 37 were killed during this weather event and many people are still missing.

For more than a month, the Gironde region of southwest France was beset by some of the worst wildfires the country has ever experienced, exacerbated by a continent-wide drought that turned the region's forests into tinder boxes. In July, the area battled a massive blaze that displaced almost 40,000 people before being contained, but the fire continued to smoulder and flared up again in early August. Firefighters with decades of experience said the fires were by far the worst they've ever witnessed.

Severe flooding has hit northern Japan, where more than 19 inches (500mm) of rain fell in 24 hours. Authorities issued the highest possible disaster warnings and at least three people have been reported missing. As torrential rains pounded the area, rivers have burst their banks, flooding roads, homes and railroad lines. Roughly 500,000 people were ordered to evacuate from three prefectures in the region.

On 8 August, Seoul saw record-level rainfall, flooding multiple homes, subway stations and roads. As the rain total rose to 16 inches (422mm), authorities declared a Level 3 emergency alert. The Korean capital was hit with 5.6 inches (141.5mm) of downpour per hour, making it the highest ever recorded in the city. More than 800 residents had to be evacuated with many missing and at least eight people dead. In the 700 affected houses and shops, the flooding caused power failures and severe destruction.

Around 4.2 million people In the Hubei area of China have been experiencing severe drought since June, a consequence of the country's current heatwave – the worst on record. With parts of the vital Yangtze River drying up, Hubei has become the latest province to announce that it will shoot silver iodide rods from planes into the sky to encourage rainfall. The process, known as cloud seeding, helps clouds form ice crystals, inducing them to produce more rain.

As stronger-than-usual monsoon rains have lashed northern and eastern India, flash flooding and landslides have killed at least 50 people, sweeping away houses and even railway bridges (pictured). The floods have affected nearly 800,000 people, displacing 120,000 residents and disrupting electricity and water supplies as well as damaging infrastructure. 

Deadly fires have also been ravaging Algeria, burning through towns, villages, farms and woodland. Since June, the country has experienced 1,240 blazes that have destroyed 13,200 acres, while last week alone the country was battling 50 different wildfires that claimed at least 37 lives. Officials say the extreme heat and high winds linked to climate change are to blame.

For three consecutive years, the Hawaizah Marshes, which straddle the border between Iraq and Iran, have been hit by intense drought, transforming from verdant wetlands to dry and desolate landscapes. The storied marshes, which are the purported origin of the Garden of Eden, were home to rivers, streams and a number of buffalo farms until recently, but farmers have had to move their animals off the land as it has become increasingly barren. 

With eight cycles of monsoon rains lashing Pakistan this summer, the country has been battling relentless flooding that has already claimed over 900 lives. With thousands left with no food or shelter, Pakistan's Minister for Climate Change said a "humanitarian disaster" is unfolding in the country. Since the monsoon season started in mid-June, around 2.3 million people have been affected and nearly 100,000 homes destroyed. Although monsoons arrive in the country every year, this year has seen 133% more rain than the average for the last three decades.

After experiencing months of drought, the Spanish region of Catalonia was hit by a terrifying drought at the end of August when four-inch (10cm) balls of ice fell from the sky. A one-year-old girl was killed by the shocking weather phenomena and at least 50 are believed to be injured. Although hailstorms are quite common in this part of Spain, authorities are saying this is the worst to hit in 20 years.

At least 10 people lost their lives as Typhoon Hinnamnor ripped through the southern part of South Korea in early September. The tropical storm, with wind speeds equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane, flooded an underground parking complex in the port city of Pohang, tragically killing seven people who were trapped by rising water levels. An eighth person was buried by a landslide, while two others remain missing and presumed dead (at the time of writing). Thousands more have been displaced as the typhoon destroyed 12,000 buildings and left 90,000 households temporarily without power.

Five years after Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria, the island nation was hit by another deadly tropical storm. Hurricane Fiona triggered torrential rains, severe flooding and mudslides in Puerto Rico starting on 18 September, before moving westwards to the Dominican Republic. The hurricane then hit Newfoundland in Canada a week later, damaging critical infrastructure, leaving five provinces without power and even sweeping homes out into the ocean.

First making landfall on the Polillo Islands in the northeast Philippines, Typhoon Noru rampaged across southeast Asia in the dying days of September, affecting millions of people across three countries. The Philippines was worst hit, with flash flooding and 149 miles per hour (240km/h) winds killing 12 people and leaving hundreds of thousands without power or shelter. The typhoon then stormed across the South China Sea to Vietnam, where it killed nine and damaged more than 10,000 homes, before bringing severe flooding to eastern Thailand.

Hurricane Ian left the entire country of Cuba temporarily without power after lashing the island on 27 September, but it did most damage when it made landfall in Florida a day later. The seaside community of Fort Myers was all but wiped out by surging floodwaters and 150 miles per hour (241km/h) winds – "Fort Myers beach no longer exists," said Senator Marco Rubio – with almost a hundred dead and 2.4 million homes and businesses without electricity. The storm dissipated as it headed north, but also buffeted South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.

Just a few months after deadly floods in eastern Australia, another deluge of rain shut down swathes of Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania in October 2022. Parts of the country were reported to have received a month's worth of rainfall in just 24 hours, while at least 500 homes were flooded and at least one person is known to have died. The flooding is one of several disasters driven by the La Niña weather pattern, which increases the likelihood of rain, cyclones and cool temperatures. 

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Scenes of streets filled with mud, upturned cars and damaged homes became widespread on Mexico's Pacific coast after it was hit by Hurricane Roslyn on Sunday 23 October. The category 3 hurricane made landfall in Nayarit state on the west coast, causing the worst damage to the town of Tecuala but also badly affecting Sayulita (pictured) and parts of the neighbouring Jalisco state, which experienced flash flooding and power outages. At the time of writing, three people have died. 

In October 2022, the Philippines was hit by destructive heavy rain due to tropical storm Nalgae, which passed through the islands and headed into the South China Sea. The devastating event has affected more than one million people, with 900,000 forced to evacuate their homes and more than 40,000 acres of crop fields damaged by the flood water. It was reported that 98 people have been killed, while at least 63 are missing and feared dead due to mudslides caused by the storm.

Florida has had a difficult hurricane season. Only twice since records began has a hurricane struck the US mainland in November, but Hurricane Nicole made landfall on Florida's east coast on 9 November just weeks after Hurricane Ian killed 146 people in the state, and caused at least $50 billion of damage. The maelstrom mercifully weakened to tropical storm strength as it hit Vero Beach and moved up the shoreline to Daytona, but it still caused four fatalities and left 330,000 people without power.

The Italian island of Ischia – a holiday destination 19 miles (30km) south of Naples – was swamped by a huge landslide on November 26, which began after a spell of heavy rainfall loosened mud, debris and stone from the island's highest mountain. The landslide crashed around the small town of Casamicciola Terme, destroying homes and washing cars, buses and other debris into the sea. Seven people have been killed so far, with five more reported missing. Ilegal construction in flooding and landslide zones puts residents of Ischia in harm's way, and episodes of extreme rainfall are sadly becoming more common due to climate change.

In December 2022, just ahead of the Christmas break, the US faced freezing cold temperatures and blizzards, with more than 200 million people under weekend weather alerts across almost every state. Temperatures dropped below -45°C (-49°F) in areas of Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming – cold enough for frostbite to develop on bare skin in up to 10 minutes. Here a man is pictured using a snow blower in Chicago. 

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