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.

  • Very bright fireball illuminates Philadelphia skies, helicopters reported over possible impact site, U.S.

    ByRishav Kothari

    A very bright green fireball illuminated the sky over Pennsylvania, U.S., at 08:44 UTC (03:44 LT) on Saturday, February 1, 2025. The event was widely observed across multiple states and parts of Canada, with some witnesses reporting a ground-level flash shortly after it disappeared. Others described flashing lights moving toward the area, followed by helicopters hovering over what appeared to be a possible impact site near a lake.

  • Widespread freezing rain and dangerous travel forecast from Midwest to Mid-Atlantic, U.S.

    ByRishav Kothari

    A mix of freezing rain and sleet will develop across parts of the Midwest and northern Mid-Atlantic from Wednesday, February 5 through Thursday, February 6, 2025, as Arctic air lingers ahead of an approaching storm system. The greatest ice accumulation risks are expected in western Maryland, the West Virginia Panhandle, and Pennsylvania, where ice buildup may cause power outages and hazardous road conditions. Elsewhere, lighter freezing rain could still lead to travel disruptions across the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley.

  • Asteroid 2024 YR4 triggers planetary defense procedures

    ByRishav Kothari

    A newly discovered asteroid designated 2024 YR4 has activated global planetary defense protocols after initial observations indicated a small but notable chance of impact in seven years. International monitoring networks have begun refining its trajectory, while space agencies evaluate potential response strategies, including possible deflection measures.

  • Ollera Creek Bridge collapse cuts key transport route in Queensland’s worst floods in 60 years, Australia

    ByRishav Kothari

    The Ollera Creek Bridge, a critical section of the Bruce Highway, was destroyed over the weekend, severing a key transport link in Queensland amid the state’s worst flooding in 60 years. The floods have claimed the life of at least one person after a rescue boat capsized and have inundated thousands of homes and numerous roads across the region.

  • G1 – Minor geomagnetic storm watch in effect

    ByRishav Kothari

    A G1 – Minor geomagnetic storm watch is in effect for January 31 and February 1, 2025, due to a coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS) influence coupled with the potential arrival of a CME.