Major eruption at Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano ejects ash to 16.2 km (53 000 feet) a.s.l., Indonesia
A major eruption took place at Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano on March 20, 2025, ejecting ash up to 16.2 km (53 000 feet) above sea level.
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: March 12–18, 2025
New activity/unrest was reported for 8 volcanoes from March 12–18, 2025. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 4 volcanoes.
Severe flash floods hit Townsville after heaviest rains in 27 years, Australia
Severe flash floods hit north Queensland on March 19, 2025, after over 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain fell over parts of the region, inundating homes and roads. The worst affected areas were Ingham and Townsville, where more than a month’s worth of rain fell in just 8 hours.
Oklahoma wildfires kill 4, injure 142, and destroy hundreds of homes
Severe wildfires fueled by high winds and dry conditions burned across Oklahoma in mid-March 2025, destroying over 400 homes and scorching more than 68 800 ha (170 000 acres) of land. The fires, which began intensifying on March 14, have killed at least four people and injured 142, prompting Governor Kevin Stitt to declare a state of emergency across 12 counties.
Nocturnal tornado outbreak forecast for Mississippi River Valley
A powerful surface low, forecast to reach pressures in the 970s hPa range, will move from the central Great Plains to the upper Midwest on Friday, March 14, 2025. This system will intensify the low-level jet, with wind speeds approaching hurricane force, drawing warm, moist air northward. By sunset, dew points near 16°C (60°F) are…
Historic fire-weather conditions forecast for southern Great Plains
Extremely critical fire weather conditions are forecast for Friday, March 14, 2025, across parts of the southern Plains and Midwest due to historically strong winds and low humidity. A wildfire outbreak is possible in the southern Plains, with fast-moving and uncontrollable fires likely. Wind gusts between 95–130 km/h (60–80 mph) may cause rapid fire spread and significant danger to affected areas.
Earthquake swarm underway near Reykjanestá, Iceland
An earthquake swarm began off Reykjanestá, Iceland at 14:30 UTC on March 12, 2025, with more than 104 events by 18:20 UTC.
Tornado strikes FOX 35 Orlando studio during live broadcast, Florida
A tornado struck Seminole County, Florida, at approximately 09:30 EDT on March 10, 2025, impacting the FOX 35 News studio in Lake Mary during a live broadcast. The radar-confirmed tornado, estimated to be an EF-0 or brief EF-1, crossed Interstate 4 near the Lake Mary exit, causing structural damage and overturning vehicles.
EF-1 tornado strikes Irving, Texas, leaving trail of damage
An EF-1 tornado struck Irving, Texas, early on March 4, 2025, damaging homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The tornado tore through apartment complexes, snapped utility poles, and displaced hundreds of residents.
Two storm systems to hit California with rain and snow
Multiple mid-level shortwave troughs are expected to bring heavy rain and mountain snow to Central and Southern California from March 5 to 7, 2025. Forecasters warn of localized flash flooding and significant winter storm impacts, particularly in higher elevations.
