Maxwell Bernstein | October 30, 2020

Scientific America compiled a list of record-breaking natural disasters that have occurred in the United States since the beginning of 2020. 

So far this year, the United States has seen 16 natural disasters that have cost over $1 billion. 

The hurricane season is still in effect until Nov. 20, and so far, the alphabetical list of hurricane names has been used up, making forecasters use Greek letters to name hurricanes. This year could tie with the 2005 record of most named storms if one more storm reaches tropical storm strength: a total of 28 storms.  

When it comes to wildfires, 5 of 6 of California’s most damaging wildfires occurred this year, with the August Complex setting California’s record for the most damaging wildfire, with over a million acres of damage.

Phoenix has seen 144 days of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, setting a new heat record there.