2023's extreme storms, heat and wildfires broke records – a scientist explains how global warming fuels climate disasters

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Shuang-Ye Wu, University of Dayton

(THE CONVERSATION) The year 2023 was marked by extraordinary heat, wildfires and weather disasters.

In the U.S., an unprecedented heat wave gripped much of Texas and the Southwest with highs well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 Celsius) for the entire month of July.

Historic rainfall in April flooded Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with 25 inches of rain in 24 hours. A wave of severe storms in July sent water pouring into cities across Vermont and New York. Another powerful system in December swept up the Atlantic coast with hurricane-like storm surge and heavy rainfall. California faced flooding and mudslides from a series of atmospheric rivers early in the year, then was hit in August by a...