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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Great Miami Hurricane, which brought Category 4 wind / surge damage to a city which was still in its infancy. Things have changed A LOT since. Just look at the graphic below highlighting population and housing unit totals from 1900-2025. Staggering! (1/2)

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Spoke at an event at Torrey Pines today in San Diego. Not being able to play a round on the south course afterward is brutal. What a gorgeous place; spectacular views of the Pacific!

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

A reprieve from hurricane activity in the Atlantic is obviously welcome. But a consequence is fewer people feeling the need to have flood insurance. Latest statistics from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) shows continued active policy declines; notably in key states such as FL, TX, LA.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

When I walked out of Notre Dame Stadium yesterday, having watched Notre Dame put up 52 on the scoreboard, I'd never have imagined the Chicago Bears putting up 59 (!!!) 24 hours later.

static.klipy.com

Da Bears! Chicago Bears Fans Cheering

ALT: Da Bears! Chicago Bears Fans Cheering

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Summer 2026 (Jun-Aug) has set the new record for warmest in the Continental US dating to the late 1800s; surpassing 1936. NOAA data confirms what consensus climate change scientific literature tells us: Yes, max highs are getting hotter. But MUCH warmer min lows are driving temperature trends.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Thru Sept 4: The Atlantic hurricane season has produced the least amount of Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) to-date (4.4) since 1941 (0.0). ACE is a measure of individual storm or seasonal intensity / longevity of tropical cyclone activity. (FYI: The Pacific Ocean has produced ~360 ACE thus far.)

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

The Atlantic remains without a hurricane in 2026. The attached graphic shows how many seasons had a later "first" calendar day hurricane formation after September 3. With the next two weeks looking to stay quiet, 2026 will keep heading towards a record for latest "first" hurricane. (1/2)

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

The compounding nature of extreme heat is accelerating the degradation of our aging infrastructure. This is yet another daily example of climate change impacts in real time.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

September 2 PM: The suburbs of Toronto just took a significant hailswath in addition to gusty winds and heavy rainfall. A lot of exposed areas were affected and this is very likely going to be quite an expensive event.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

At the inaugural NOAA Industry Partnerships Summit and, as always, @kellyhereid.bsky.social and @mcb-wxclimaterisk.bsky.social are putting on a masterclass in describing NOAA's critical relevance to how the private sector is able to assess catastrophe risk.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The human toll from the horrific flood disaster in Nepal and Tibet is enormous. A devastating tragedy. The economic damage cost will run into the billions (USD). For a country with a ~$46bn GDP, that is sizeable and will require international help to rebuild. www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/n...

hindustantimes.com

Nepal flash flood losses could run into ‘few billions’, says minister; seeks ‘different fundraising campaign’

“I think the losses and damages when they will be finally quantified in a week or so, will amount to at least a few billion dollars,” the minister said. | World News

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

For the seismology nerds out there: Interesting to note that today's M6.0 earthquake off the coast of Somalia was the 16th tremor of M6.0+ intensity in this part of the world in the past 100+ years.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Katrina (2005) -- Obvious. Andrew (1992) -- Changed the game entirely for building codes, insurance, and storm forecasting. Harvey (2017) -- Set the standard for what happens when a big storm drops prodigious rains in a major metro. Miami (1926) -- The ultimate "if it happened today" storm.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

At least 44% of the US Lower 48 is in moderate or worse drought conditions (as of August 18). With CONUS wildfire activity already running well above the decadal average for acres burned (>7.4M in 2026 vs ~4.0M avg), many parts of the US remain highly vulnerable to fire risk if an ignition occurs.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Damage assessments continue in Hawaii following the passage of Hurricane Lala. Much of the damage on Hawaii (island) is flood-related. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) take-up rate on the island is less than 5%, which sadly means that a large portion of incurred damage will be uninsured.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Producer Price Index for construction materials and asphalt shingles / siding and coating materials continue reaching new heights. The cycle of why it matters: Catastrophe event → Greater replacement costs during recovery → Higher insurance claims costs → More price pressure on premium renewals

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Very intense wind gusts, power outages, and subsequent damage reported all throughout the Chicago metro region from the derecho. Peak gust of 96 mph now reported in Will County. Winds topping 70-80 mph across a very heavily populated part of Illinois.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Reminder: The climatological peak months for US derecho occurrences are May / June / July. August is also a prime month given summer heat and "Ring of Fire" patterns that can establish. A derecho can occur in any month if the conditions are right (including December -- notably Iowa in 2021.)

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

August 11 8:45AM CT: Heads up to the Chicago metro area. An intensifying line of thunderstorms is approaching, and already has a history of >85 mph straight-line wind gusts. This will likely meet the derecho definition. Could be a very impactful / damaging few hours ahead.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

August 9: Typhoon #Dolphin continues to come ashore in China following landfall earlier today. The large system continues to bring very heavy rainfall and gusty winds across a large swath of eastern China. (1/2)

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Cookie Monster coming back to sing the 7th inning stretch at Wrigley Field again tonight is what we all needed. Legend.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

While long anticipated, it is confirmed that 2025's Eaton Fire was ignited by "electrical arcing on an out-of-service transmission tower." Expect subrogation recoveries by insurance carriers from the California Wildfire Fund; which has $21 billion. FULL REPORT: file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/lac...

file.lacounty.gov

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

August 2 AM: Latest NFIC wildfire perimeters suggest that a sizeable number of homes and structures were likely affected in the Old Trails Fire in Spokane, Washington. Awaiting official word from state / local firefighters as assessments begin.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

August 1 5:30 PM PT: Active fires burning uncomfortably close to the Spokane (WA) metro area. Evacuations are underway for some city residents. Extreme / Critical fire conditions in place across much of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana today.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Here is initial info from the USGS from today's earthquake in southern Japan in Kumamoto Prefecture. This will likely be a damaging and expensive event. FYI: The 2016 Kumamoto EQ sequence (M7.0 & M6.8) resulted in $53 billion in economic losses; of which $8 billion were insured (2026 USD).

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

July 26: Genevieve becomes the 9th global tropical cyclone in calendar year 2026 to undergo extreme rapid intensification (>50 knots in a 24-hour period). Of the 19 TCs to reach hurricane intensity this year, 11 have reached Category 3+ intensity. Eight (8) of those have been Category 4/5. (1/2)

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Six years old. It was time for her to experience the Original NES. "Dad! Is this like Nintendo Switch? Where is Luigi? Is Jack Black in this game?" I've never felt older.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Significant wildfire situation across parts of France and Spain amid record-setting summer heat in Europe. Yes, humans are a leading igniter of wildfires. Yes, climate change has absolutely enhanced conditions that bring such rapid fire spread / extreme fire behavior. apnews.com/article/spai...

apnews.com

More than 200,000 people flee raging wildfires in France and Spain, some escaping by boat

Massive forest fires are raging out of control in southwestern France and central Spain, forcing authorities to evacuate around 200,000 people.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

July 22: #Bertha has officially made landfall in Louisiana as a 45 mph tropical storm. I must admit, I cannot immediately recall a landfalling tropical cyclone that has such minimal rainfall associated with it. Bizarre!

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

A+ thread with actual receipts, as always, by @zekehausfather.com / The Climate Brink.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

July 21: Seasonal tally of Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has finally surpassed... 1 (!). It is 1.23 as of today. This is the lowest ACE total YTD since 2009 (0.0). That was a season with El Niño conditions in place during the peak months (Aug/Sep/Oct).

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Tropical Depression Two (soon-to-be Bertha) has formed in the Gulf of Mexico. While not currently expected to become a hurricane before landfall, it's worth paying attention. Many (not all) storms in the Gulf have shown an increasing tendency to overperform as water temperatures continue to warm.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

July 16: Can confirm that heavy smoke has made its way to the northern Chicago suburbs this morning. Though not as bad (yet) like what areas further north into Wisconsin / Michigan are seeing -- and what the Northeast endured.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Today we at Gallagher Re have released our H1 2026 Natural Catastrophe and Climate Report. Headline: Below average global catastrophe losses, but still extremely meaningful societal / humanitarian impacts. Economic Loss: >$142 billion Insured Loss: >$46 billion (1/n) www.ajg.com/gallagherre/...

ajg.com

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Heatwaves are not just a health risk. Climate change is bringing hotter / drier conditions that can increase the risk of subsidence, as shrinking soils cause ground movement that can damage foundations of homes and businesses. Here's a UK study with global relevance. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/latest-...

bgs.ac.uk

Latest research emphasises climate-related subsidence risk to millions of British homes - British Geological Survey

New data from BGS highlights the projected future impact of warmer, drier summers and underlines the need for mitigation measures in susceptible regions.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Good article highlighting how hail is a massive annual driver of catastrophe losses. It's also a big reason why insurance costs continue to accelerate. Though the article says hail costs $1bn a year. Nope. In the past 5-10 years? Hail averaging $15-20bn+ a year. www.nytimes.com/2026/07/07/w...

nytimes.com

Inside the United States’ Billion-Dollar Blind Spot

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

My thanks to @politico.com for including me in this article. Fully funded NOAA agencies and fully staffed forecast offices are essential. Weather balloon data? A cornerstone to more confident forecasts that bring advanced warnings to protect life and property. www.politico.com/news/2026/07...

politico.com

A ballooning problem: Weather warnings face rising risks from budget cuts

Meteorologists say National Weather Service staff shortages from President Donald Trump's workforce cuts have compromised severe weather forecasts.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Update: A new report from the United Nations has updated the estimated direct economic damage cost for the June 24 Venezuelan earthquakes to a staggering $37 billion. This represents more than 30% of the country's GDP. www.undrr.org/media/118988...

undrr.org

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

#Bavi quickly organizing and, per JTWC, expected to become a Category 5-equivalent super typhoon. The Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and elsewhere in Micronesia are still recovering from April's Typhoon Sinlaku -- which affected the region as a Category 4. The storm caused >$1.5 billion in damage.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Major expected insurance claim due to damage at a South Dakota wind farm following >100 mph straight-line wind gust(s). This claim is a big loss for the renewable energy market. It also opens up questions on weather-related loss costs if highly exposed data centers are impacted in the future.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

This is ridiculous. It is brutally hot here in the northern Chicago suburbs today...

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

June 27 PM: Several large wildfires burning across the US West (UT, CO, AZ, NM) as extreme fire weather conditions persist. This is a consequence of record low previous winter snowpack, prolonged drought, and abundant vegetation ripe for fast spread.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Much talk about a strong El Niño and implications for the Atlantic hurricane season. Do not sleep on the Western Pacific. YTD activity already well above normal. Storms tracking further northeast follow a "classic" El Niño pattern may bring more risk to Japan & the Korean Peninsula this season.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

The scale of devastation in Venezuela continues to unfold. Sadly, it is likely that the loss of life will notably increase in the coming days. The World Bank cites the country's GDP at ~$120 billion. If USGS PAGER estimates are close, damage costs could equal a notable percentage of the economy.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Hosted a London Climate Week event today, and the irony is not lost on anyone that the UK reached its hottest June temperature on record. It feels quite tropical, and the UK has very few homes with air conditioning. As someone who comes to London a lot... this heat is quite shocking.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

The specific concentration of tornadic activity in Illinois and Indiana during June has been... unusual. This past weekend's latest twisters will officially push 2026 into the record book for highest confirmed number of annual tornadoes on record in Illinois (since 1950).

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Update: Confirmed US tornado counts show that Illinois leads the next closest states by a wide margin. This data accounts for state touchdown locations. IL: 132* MS: 70 IA: 68 OK: 63 MO: 58 IN: 40 AL: 36 KS: 36 *The Illinois record for most tornadoes in a year is 139 (2024). Records began in 1950.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Incredible rainfall "bullseye" in Louisiana from the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur plus an influx of moisture interacting with a frontal boundary in the Southeast. Some areas have now recorded more than 30 inches of rain in the past 72 hours; with much of it in the past 24 hours.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Early season monsoon stats in India showing rainfall already ~40% below normal. With El Niño strengthening, this is likely to bring a notable impact to crop yields as forecasts suggest the country's weakest monsoon in a decade. India is among the world's biggest producers of rice, sugar, and cotton.

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Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

June 17 8am CT: Powerful line of storms exiting Iowa and headed into Illinois. Significant straight-line winds already recorded, and this line (derecho?) will intensify in the coming hours. Strong tornadoes, intense straight-line winds, and large hail all possible.

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