I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as an M4.5 hit near Falls City, Karnes County at 03:36 UTC on Thursday, January 30, 2025 (21:36 local time on Wednesday, January 29). The agency is reporting a depth of 3.7 km (2.3 miles). The quake was felt as far away as San Antonio, 71 km (44 miles) from Falls City.
Toxic waste from burned lithium batteries, asbestos, and synthetic materials poses a significant risk in California’s wildfire-affected areas. Cleanup efforts are being delayed as hazardous substances require specialized removal before residents can safely return.
A newly discovered near-Earth asteroid designated 2024 YR4 has been identified with a more than 1% chance of impacting Earth on December 22, 2032. Astronomers are actively refining its orbit and the potential risk remains under evaluation.
Strong winds, heavy rain, and the potential for thunderstorms are expected as a winter storm develops northwest of Hawaii on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, impacting the islands through Friday, January 31. A Winter Storm Watch and Gale Watch have been issued for affected areas.
The Doomsday Clock was set to 89 seconds to midnight on January 28, 2025, the closest it has been in its 78-year history, according to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists’ Science and Security Board (SASB).
A newly discovered asteroid was removed from records after being identified as a Tesla Roadster in Space.
Storm Herminia has been battering Normandy and Brittany since January 25, 2025, causing widespread flooding, evacuations, and school closures. At least two people have lost their lives.
A large sinkhole opened up at an intersection in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, swallowing a passing truck and trapping its driver inside.
Two atmospheric rivers (ARs) are forecast to bring significant rain to the U.S. West Coast on January 30 and 31, 2025, with the potential for heavy precipitation as a second AR overtakes the first and stalls into early next week.
A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M3.8 hit near the coast of York Harbor, Maine at 15:22 UTC (10:22 local time) on Monday, January 27, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 13.2 km (8.2 miles). The quake was felt as far away as Boston and beyond.
