The year 2009 was the fifth warmest year on record. In early 2009, snow storms, extreme low temperature and cold waves blanketed most Europe; and consecutive snow storms hit North America. Severe drought persisted in northern China from boreal autumn to winter. Hot wave raided southeast Australia. During summer, eastern China, South Asia, most Europe and western America seaboard suffered hot wave. During 2009, severe drought conditions maintained in Australia, Mexico and eastern Africa. The El Nino event came forth in June. During the year, tropical cyclone activities were weaker than normal in the western North Pacific and in the Atlantic Ocean.