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A large swathe of violent storms and tornadoes affected the southern midwest and southeastern US states last week, in the deadliest tornado season since at least April 1936. The tornadoes formed along a vigorous cold front that moved eastwards across the US with hot, moist air ahead of it. This helped to produce the storms, while a strong upper level wind steered the front through.
Damage surveys are still continuing, but so far at least two of the tornadoes have been rated as EF5, the strongest possible on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with winds of over 200mph.
Strong winds last week over parts of northeast China whipped up dust and sand into the atmosphere. Skies turned yellow over Beijing as it was engulfed by sand storms on Thursday and Saturday, with visibility reduced to around 100 metres in places.
The winds were caused by low pressure systems tracking to the north of Beijing, with dust brought in from the semi arid steppes of Mongolia. A maximum gust of 56mph was recorded at Huailai, just outside the capital.
The Mediterranean also had disturbed weather last week, as deep low pressure systems moved west across the region.
Heavy rain fell across parts of the Mediterranean's African coast with 56mm falling in Algiers on Saturday, more than might be expected in a whole month; the average overall total in April is nearer to 40mm.
