Friday Risk Watch

Stay ahead of potential risks and ensure the safety of your employees with Friday Risk Watch, a weekly newsletter curated by our Global Intelligence team.

In each issue of Friday Risk Watch, you can expect curated updates on emerging risks, geopolitical developments, weather forecasts, and much more. We'll keep you informed about the latest trends and incidents that could impact your organization's operations, allowing you to make informed decisions and mitigate potential risks.

Friday, June 16

Busy Weekend in Philadelphia: Those looking for some weekend entertainment can view PennDOT’s live feed of the ongoing reconstruction of the I-95 bridge, where round-the-clock efforts are underway to implement a temporary fix and get vehicles moving again on the vital roadway. Adding to the traffic nightmare from which Philadelphians are unable to wake will be a visit from President Joe Biden on Saturday, where he is expected to hold a rally with union members and receive an endorsement from the AFL-CIO. On Sunday, West Philadelphia will host multiple Juneteenth events, including one of the nation’s largest parades. The event is one of several that will take place across the U.S. over the weekend and on Monday as people gather to celebrate the emancipation of African Americans. Various groups may also mark the date by hosting demonstrations or counterdemonstrations.?

Worsening Heatwave over Texas and Mexico: An abnormally intense heatwave is unlikely to break down through the end of the month across Texas and much of Mexico. In metro areas of Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, daily highs will reach into the low 100s through at least the next week, and dangerous heat index values could exceed 110-120. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) issued a Weather Watch through June 21 due to record electrical demand; however, they indicated that mandatory blackouts are currently unlikely. Farther south, Mexico is facing significant drought conditions, which could worsen alongside potential water shortages in the coming weeks. Over half of the country's dams are below 50 percent of their water capacity. There has already been a notable increase in forest fire activity and heat-related illnesses in recent days.?

Poor Conditions Looming for Quebec’s Active Wildfire Zone: While smoke-related impacts from Canadian wildfires have diminished in the U.S., there are still over 100 active fires burning in Quebec alone. This number has decreased in recent days as a result of beneficial weather, but there are indications that this favorable downturn is nothing more than a brief respite. Between Sunday and Tuesday, the regional weather pattern over Ontario and Quebec will become supportive of a prolonged stretch of near-record high temperatures, drier than average conditions, and widespread high to extreme wildfire potential. Until a large percentage of Canadian fires are extinguished, there will remain potential for more significant smoke intrusions across the northern tier of the United States.?

Demonstrations Over Immigration in France: Demonstrations over proposed reforms, this time about immigration, are expected this weekend across France. The United Against Disposable Immigration (UCIJ) collective, made up of trade unions and human rights organizations, is calling for gatherings in multiple cities on Saturday, June 17, in response to the government's renewed efforts to draft an immigration reform bill. This weekend's actions are particularly notable as they follow a high-profile stabbing attack in Annecy, France, reportedly conducted by a Syrian refugee with asylum status in Sweden, an incident that has injected further fuel into the tense immigration debate.?Primary impacts will likely be road disruptions where demonstrations occur; however, given the current environment, counter-protests from opposing groups are also possible.

Cyclone Strikes India, Pakistan: Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy weakened below hurricane equivalent shortly before reaching Northwest India and Southeast Pakistan late Thursday but still brought warnings that coastal water could reach as high as nine feet immediately near and east of the center. Over 180,000 residents have been evacuated from vulnerable areas. While tropical storm winds and coastal surges will rapidly diminish as the weakening vortex pushes farther into Northwest India, there is concern that extreme rainfall and accompanying freshwater flooding and landslides will extend well inland, with warnings issued for the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Forecast models indicate that over 10-20 inches of rain may occur along and near the remnant center track through early Monday.??

Stay in the know

Don't miss out on crucial information that can make a difference! Stay tuned for upcoming editions of Friday Risk Watch and subscribe for weekly reports that can help ensure the safety and security of your organization.