A Year of Weather Extremes: Recap of 2024
The year 2024 brought an array of weather extremes across the United States, marking one of the most tumultuous years in recent memory. From hurricanes and wildfires to record-setting tornadoes and flooding, nature’s force left a lasting impact on millions. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the year’s most significant weather events and their effects on the nation.
A Year of Costly Disasters
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s NCEI, 2024 was the second most destructive year of the past decade. These events spanned nearly every corner of the country, underscoring the diverse challenges posed by the U.S.’s vast geography and climate.
Tornadoes Surge to Near-Record Levels
Tornadoes dominated the weather landscape in 2024, with 1,765 confirmed reports–434 more than in 2023. According to the National Weather Service, this was the second-highest annual total since 2011, with May alone contributing 576 tornadoes. The majority of 2024’s tornadoes struck Texas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Florida.
Hurricanes Leave a Devastating Mark
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season featured above-average activity and a record-breaking ramp-up following a peak-season lull. Numbers from the NOAA tell us the Atlantic basin saw 18 named storms, 11 of which developed into hurricanes, and five intensified into major hurricanes. By comparison, an average season typically produces 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
Flooding: A Persistent Threat
Flooding continued to be the most frequent and expensive natural disaster in the U.S. in 2024. Heavy rains in January led to widespread flooding in San Diego, displacing around 1,200 homes–more than half in the city, according to NBC 7 San Diego.
Wildfires Burned Millions of Acres
Despite fewer wildfires overall in 2024 compared to the 10-year average, the acreage burned was staggering. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, over 8.5 million acres were scorched by wildfires, exceeding the average of past years by 1.6 million acres.
Winter 2024-2025 Outlook
As 2024 ends, AccuWeather forecasts indicate that the ‘24-’25 winter will bring moderate conditions to most of the country, much like the previous year’s record warmth. Warmer-than-average temperatures are expected from the southern U.S. to the eastern Great Lakes, New England, and northern Alaska. In contrast, slightly colder-than-average conditions are predicted for southern Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and the northern High Plains. These shifting patterns serve as a reminder of the evolving nature of seasonal weather and its potential implications on properties.
Preparing for 2025
For many real estate investors, 2024 highlighted the importance of preparing for extreme weather events. Mitigation resources, such as those on the NREIG website, can help minimize damage from severe weather and protect your investments. Proactive measures and comprehensive insurance coverage are essential for navigating the challenges posed by our changing climate.
For mitigation tips, read:
Preparing Investment Properties for Wildfire, Hurricane and Tornado Season
Preparing Your Property for Severe Spring Weather
Unique Challenges RE Investors Face in Disaster Preparation
The Importance of Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health. It is recommended by healthcare professionals as a way to prevent chronic diseases, improve cardiovascular health, boost mood, and increase overall well-being.
Physical Health Benefits
Exercise has numerous physical health benefits. It can help with weight management by burning calories and increasing metabolism. Regular physical activity also strengthens muscles, bones, and joints, reducing the risk of injuries and improving flexibility and balance.
Exercise is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health. It helps lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular exercise can also help improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Mental Health Benefits
In addition to the physical health benefits, exercise is also important for mental health. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones that can help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Regular exercise can also improve sleep quality, boost self-esteem, and enhance cognitive function.
Types of Exercise
There are many different types of exercise that can provide health benefits. Aerobic exercise, such as walking, running, swimming, or cycling, helps improve cardiovascular health and increase endurance. Strength training, using weights or resistance bands, helps build muscle strength and improve bone density. Flexibility exercises, such as yoga or stretching, can improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries.
Getting Started
It is important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise. It is recommended to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise. This can be broken down into smaller sessions throughout the week to make it more manageable.
It is important to choose activities that you enjoy and that fit into your schedule. This can help make exercise a regular part of your routine. It is also important to listen to your body and rest when needed to prevent injuries.
Conclusion
Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good physical and mental health. It has numerous benefits, including improving cardiovascular health, boosting mood, and increasing overall well-being. There are many different types of exercise that can provide health benefits, and it is important to find activities that you enjoy and that fit into your schedule. By making exercise a regular part of your routine, you can improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.