A Summer of Wild Weather: Recalling December's Rollercoaster Ride
Issue 19 / Mon 26th Feb, 2024
Dylan Wichmann shares last summer’s fierce rollercoaster weather, from the relentless wild winds to the scorching heat that turned the outdoors into an unforgiving furnace. Dylan reflects on the lessons learned and the imperative to protect our planet. Read all about it exclusively in this mini Tonic Mag feature!
Last summer, particularly December, brought some crazy weather I'll never forget. It was a season of extremes, with wind and heat dominating the scene. As someone who loves being outdoors, I felt both excited and overwhelmed by the constant changes in the weather.
First off, let's talk about the wind. It was wild! We were hit with strong gusts at 30 knots or more every day. The wind was always there, making everything feel wild and unpredictable. Whether I was out on the water or just walking around, the wind was a constant presence, sometimes thrilling, sometimes a bit scary.
But along with the wind came the heat. December was hot, like really hot. Temperatures soared above 30 degrees Celsius daily, turning the outdoors into an oven. It was relentless, making it challenging to stay cool and comfortable. Despite the heat, though, there was a certain beauty in how the sunlight danced off the shimmering landscape.
Unfortunately, strong winds and high temperatures also led to wildfires. These fires were devastating, destroying homes and natural habitats. What made it even worse was that many of these fires were started intentionally, which is just plain reckless and dangerous. Seeing the damage caused by these fires was heartbreaking, and it served as a reminder of how fragile our environment can be.
Despite the challenges, there were moments of resilience and hope. Communities came together to support each other, firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blazes, and ordinary people stepped up to help in any way they could. It was inspiring to see people come together in the face of adversity, showing that there's still kindness and compassion even in tough times.
As December ended and the weather began to calm down, I couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and sadness. It had been a wild ride, with ups and downs, twists and turns. But through it all, I felt grateful for the experience, as challenging as it may have been. It reminded me of the power of nature and the importance of caring for our planet.
Looking back on December's crazy weather, I'm reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of coming together as a community. As we progress, I hope to learn from this experience and work together to create a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
By Dylan Wichmann