I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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  • Severe thunderstorms and flooding threat forecast across the Plains through Thursday

    ByReet Kaur

    Repeated rounds of severe thunderstorms are forecast to develop across parts of the northern Plains and Upper Mississippi Valley through Thursday, June 4, bringing the potential for large hail, damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, and localized flooding. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) placed parts of the eastern Dakotas and western Minnesota under a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) for severe thunderstorms, while excessive-rainfall outlooks from the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) target portions of the eastern Dakotas, west Texas, and New Mexico.

  • Flooding impacts northern Indiana, southern Michigan and northwest Ohio after heavy rainfall

    ByReet Kaur

    Flooding developed across northern Indiana, southern Michigan, and northwest Ohio between March 31 and April 5, 2026, following multiple rounds of heavy rainfall totaling over 100 mm (4 inches) in many locations. Rivers including the St. Joseph, Maumee, and Tippecanoe rose rapidly to moderate flood stage, with some locations experiencing sharp rises within hours. Flooding impacted parks, infrastructure, and transportation, with additional storm damage reported in parts of Ohio.

  • Dust storm leaves 3 dead and damages crops in western Uttar Pradesh, India

    ByReet Kaur

    A powerful dust storm accompanied by strong winds, rain, and hail struck western Uttar Pradesh, India on the night of April 3, 2026, leaving at least three people dead and two injured. The storm caused extensive damage to standing and harvested crops across multiple districts, with authorities reporting widespread agricultural losses and structural damage.

  • Severe thunderstorms leave four dead and nine injured across northern Vietnam

    ByReet Kaur

    Severe thunderstorms accompanied by hail, strong winds, lightning, and isolated tornadoes affected northern Vietnam on March 29–30, 2026, leaving four people dead and nine injured. Fatalities were reported in Tuyen Quang, Son La, and Quang Ninh, while widespread structural and agricultural damage was recorded across multiple provinces.

  • Floods leave 34 dead and affect over 310 000 people in Malawi

    ByReet Kaur

    Flooding triggered by heavy rainfall affected multiple districts across Malawi between March 15–18, 2026, leaving 34 people dead and 197 injured. The disaster impacted approximately 310 896 people across 69 088 households, with 6 155 households displaced and sheltered in 84 camps, according to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA).

  • Strong storms and heavy rainfall hit southern China

    ByReet Kaur

    Heavy rainfall and strong convective weather affected southern China on March 29–30, with severe thunderstorms, hail, and wind gusts exceeding 110 km/h (70 mph) reported in Guangdong and surrounding regions. According to the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), further heavy rain and strong convection will continue from the evening of March 30 through March 31, with rainfall totals of 50–70 mm (2–3 inches), locally exceeding 100 mm (4 inches).

  • Cedar Canyon Fire burns 251 ha (620 acres) near Hitchcock, Oklahoma, injures 5

    ByReet Kaur

    A wind-driven wildfire ignited near Hitchcock in Blaine County, Oklahoma, at approximately 14:30-15:30 LT on March 26, 2026, burning 251 ha (620 acres) and reaching 70% containment by March 29. The fire, caused by a rekindled permitted burn, injured multiple firefighters and prompted localized evacuations that were later lifted.