As of 31 March, northern Thailand has reported a severely high level of air pollution. It is predicted these levels will last into at least mid-April. Readings of airborne particulate matter are above 150 in the region. Readings above 150 are considered unhealthy for general populations. The pollution has been predicted to be a result of farmers starting fires to burn undergrowth.
Monsoon season is expected to cause flooding, landslides, and mudflows throughout Southeast Asia until early April. Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore are among the most at-risk locations. Travel and business may be severely disrupted. Disruptions may continue after heavy rainfall concludes as flooding may take days or weeks to subside. Expect further disruptions from authorities as they attempt to clear landslides and aid the communities.
As of 30 March, adverse weather conditions are expected to bring thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds to portions of northern New Zealand through at least 1 April. Flooding, flash flooding, landslides, power outages, and travel disruptions may be possible due to the conditions. Flights on 30 March at Auckland Airport may experience disruptions due to expected thunderstorms.
Weekly disruptions to the ScotRail will occur until 2 May. Conductors associated with the National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers (RMT) plan to strike every Sunday until such date. Strike efforts are to demand increases in overtime pay. Some routes along the ScotRail will have more disruptions than others, specifically, through Edinburgh and Glasgow.
As the climate begins to change, more cases of Melioidosis have risen in North Queensland, Australia. This infectious disease is caused by bacteria found in soil that can lead to pneumonia, blood poisoning, and is potentially fatal. The bacteria is thought to increase in tropical regions due to the effects of climate change.
From 1-21 April border force staff at London Heathrow Airport will establish a work-to-rule action due to the lack of changes in working conditions. The Public and Commercial Services Union scheduled these actions, along with a strike from 1-7 April involving an estimated 450 workers. The strikes will produce delays and disruptions that may continue after 7 April.
Reports of heightened security measures and travel disruptions in Athens have been released on 24 March due to Greek Independence Day celebrations. Over 4,000 police officers have been deployed to monitor the city and large crowds have led to multiple traffic blocks. The celebrations will continue through 25 March.
On 27 March a protest is scheduled at 16:00 local time in Nottingham at Forest Recreation Ground. The protest is being held by the Next Gen Movement to oppose a plan that would impose time and noise limits on demonstrations, which they claim infringes on a person’s right to protest.
Dust storms are forecast to continue throughout parts of northern China through 25 March. Affected areas include southern Xinjiang, western Gansu, central and western Mongolia, northern Hebei, Beijing, and Tianjin. Travel delays are likely, as the dust storms are expected to leading to reduced visibility, causing flight delays, cancelations, and a higher likelihood of accidents.
On 23 March, flooding in New South Wales is expected to become life-threatening. Over 18,000 individuals have been forcibly evacuated and 38 locations nationwide are now regarded as natural disaster areas. Mid-north areas like Hunter Valley to Coffs Harbor are to have the most severe conditions. Severe weather warnings are in effect until at least 24 March.
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