PERFECT STORM

El Niño has intensified to extraordinary levels, with meteorologists describing conditions as an off-the-charts 'perfect storm.' A massive planetary-scale Kelvin wave of warm water is moving through the Pacific, raising fears of heavy rain, flooding and powerful storms for California this winter. Experts are watching whether this event could rival the strongest El Niño years on record, with major implications for weather across the Americas.

Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson says Ukraine is facing a 'perfect storm' as Russian attacks hit bridges, ports and energy infrastructure, with Kyiv itself under assault. He argues the strikes on critical networks are degrading Ukraine's ability to wage war and sustain daily life, a assessment circulating widely among commentators debating the war's trajectory.

An energy expert warned that oil prices are facing a 'perfect storm' of pressures right now. The comment, made on CNBC, suggests that multiple factors are converging to push prices sharply in one direction. Markets are watching closely for signs of where crude will head next.

Derby's parade has been disrupted by severe weather, with reports describing a 'perfect storm' that rained on the event. The exact nature of the event affected and the extent of the disruption are not detailed in the available reporting.

Commentary argues that so-called perfect storms of converging risks require far better planning by governments, businesses and households. The piece calls for stronger preparedness and risk management rather than reacting after disasters strike, reflecting wider concern about extreme weather and compounding crises outpacing existing plans.

Forecasters expect heavy rain to continue through Thursday before conditions clear into the weekend, which is described as picture perfect. The Storm Track 3 forecast points to a soggy end to the work week followed by dry, pleasant weather just in time for the weekend.