extreme event

[ ik-streem i-vent ]

noun

, Meteorology, Climatology.

1. an episode of weather, climate, or environmental conditions that is severe and unexpected or abnormal for the location or season.

Word History and Origins

Origin of extreme event¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

While scientists are reluctant to say any single extreme event was caused by climate change, researchers have been quick to point out the role that rising temperatures have had in making the Spanish floods worse.

From BBC

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of this unforeseen and extreme event. We have made this decision now in order to provide you with as much notice as possible to make alternative arrangements," the school posted.

From BBC

“It’s an extreme event that’s predicted.”

From Los Angeles Times

Ordinary stars produce lighter elements, but the ones heavier than iron are thought to require the explosive conditions of a supernova or some other extreme event.

From Science Magazine

A Washington State University study that intended to look at snow melting under a single, extreme event, the 2021 "heat dome," instead revealed an alarming, longer-term rising trend of successive heatwaves melting snowpack earlier in the year.

From Science Daily