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.

  • Sandhurst Fire 10% contained, evacuation orders lifted after intense efforts, Utah

    ByRishav Kothari

    A blaze that ignited on July 20, 2024, at Ensign Peak near Salt Lake City, Utah, prompted a mandatory evacuation order for residents north of Dorchester Drive and a voluntary evacuation for neighborhoods west of East Capitol Boulevard. By the evening of July 21, firefighters had achieved 10% containment and lifted the evacuation order. Despite ongoing containment efforts, the fire’s proximity to homes, infrastructure, and gas lines remains a concern.

  • Wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia force evacuations, Canada

    ByRishav Kothari

    Wildfires in northern Alberta prompted evacuations of three communities as the province contends with five significant blazes posing a severe threat to safety and infrastructure. Over 5 000 residents were affected, covering 62 000 ha (150 000 acres). Meanwhile, British Columbia is battling over 300 wildfires, exacerbated by a three-week heatwave. High temperatures and lightning have caused widespread evacuation orders, with firefighters struggling to contain the rapidly spreading flames across both provinces.

  • Massive Saharan dust plume reaches Florida, U.S.

    ByRishav Kothari

    A massive Saharan dust plume reached South Florida on July 20, 2024, causing reduced air quality and hazy skies. Rain is also forecasted for the weekend, and the mix of dust and precipitation is expected to bring dirty rains to Florida.

  • Extremely heavy rains hit Seoul, South Korea

    ByRishav Kothari

    Seoul and its surrounding metropolitan area were severely impacted by heavy rainfall on July 19, 2024, with up to 634 mm (25 inches) recorded over the past two days. The torrential downpour was the heaviest of this rainy season, with more heavy rain expected starting July 20.