Today we celebrate Earth Day, a global event observed by over 1 billion people which encourages environmental protection from nasties like pollution and deforestation.  

People are encouraged to turn off their lights, limit water usage, or plant a tree to keep our planet healthy and livable. Did you know that one mature tree can provide a day’s oxygen for four people?  

But now begs the question, what is Earth doing on her ‘day’? Astronomically, we could say she’s orbiting, rotating, zooming through space at 107,000km/h. But that’s like saying an animal breathes on a regular day, right? 

Delving into the meteorological side of things, we can see the true inner workings of our planet.  Let's see what’s going on at each of the continents on this special day: 

Africa 

The oldest inhabited continent on earth is today seeing hot temperatures in the Sahara Desert, where temperatures are already exceeding 40 degrees.  

Meanwhile, a belt of storm activity around the equator is bringing about warm and humid conditions with some severe thunderstorms about.  

In the south, a low pressure system is bringing about cool and wet conditions.  

Asia 

The largest continent on earth is today experiencing it all. A heatwave is gripping southeast Asia, temperatures are over 40 in the Middle-east and India, whilst Mongolia is still below freezing and up to 12 centimetres of snow is covering northern parts of Russia and the Tibetan Plateau.  

Maritime southeast Asia is getting some widespread thunderstorms, though western Russia seems to be enjoying fine, crisp conditions moving into mid-spring. 

Figure: ECMWF modelled global temperatures as at 4pm 22nd April, AEST. 

Europe 

Europe is now the definition of a fine spring day. Mild daytime temperatures and clear skies around central parts. But venture too far west or south, showers will be watering the blooming flowers, especially through Greece, France and the Netherlands.  

Snow still covers Scandinavia – it won’t be long until the midnight sun stays around for the next 6 months.  

North America 

From the continent with every natural biome, we get what we see – hot desert conditions in the southwest, storms across the southeast & Mexico and snow across the Rockies, Great Lakes and Alaska. 

A few tornadoes have made their path through central parts of the mainland, but you’ll find clear skies and warmth in Hawaii. 

South America 

The continent home to the lungs of the planet is seeing storms and warmth across the Amazon whilst staying dry and cool in the south.  

Don’t forget the Andes – some snow is falling at high altitudes. The deserts in the west and northeast are staying as dry as they come. 

Australia 

We finally make it to the land down under. A high pressure is keeping calm conditions across much of the continent today with the occasional east coast shower.  

You’ve now gone on a meteorological tour of your home planet, one of vast beauty and natural phenomena. Hopefully we can all consider the earth not only during this special day, but also moving into the future.