Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
A 40 000-year cycle in Earth’s axial tilt influenced subtropical marine productivity about 34 million years ago, during the early expansion of the Antarctic ice sheet, according to a study published in PNAS. The authors link this signal to obliquity-driven Antarctic ice-sheet variability that affected ocean circulation and nutrient delivery far from the polar region.
Red Flag Warnings are in effect across the Central Plains and Southeast United States on March 28, 2026, as the National Weather Service (NWS) warns of critical fire weather conditions driven by strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels. Wind gusts up to 80 km/h (50 mph) and humidity levels as low as 10–20% are expected to promote rapid fire ignition and spread. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged across all warned regions.
Sunken Soviet submarine K-278 Komsomolets in the Norwegian Sea continues to release radioactive material more than three decades after sinking on April 7, 1989, according to a 2026 study. Measurements show extremely high concentrations of radionuclides near the wreck, while rapid dilution in surrounding seawater limits broader environmental impact.
At least 20 people were killed in Mbeya Region, southwestern Tanzania, after a rainfall-induced landslide struck Rungwe District, local authorities announced on March 26, 2026.
Freeze Warnings have been issued across Kentucky, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and southeast Missouri, with sub-freezing temperatures forecast overnight into March 28, 2026. The warnings are in effect from late March 27 through the morning hours of March 28, with minimum temperatures expected between −4°C and −1.5°C (24–29°F). Frost and freeze conditions are expected to damage crops, sensitive vegetation, and exposed outdoor plumbing.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle made landfall just south of Coral Bay, Western Australia, at approximately 09:30 AWST (01:30 UTC) on March 27, 2026, as a Category 3 system. It brought wind gusts up to 195 km/h (121 mph), intense rainfall, and a dangerous storm tide along the Gascoyne coast. Severe weather conditions are continuing inland through the day and are forecast to persist into March 28.
At least 11 people were rescued by Lee County, with two sustaining injuries after a pontoon boat capsized near the Fort Myers Beach, Florida, on March 24, 2026.
A firefighting helicopter crashed above Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, on March 25, 2026, during active wildfire suppression operations. The crash disrupted aerial firefighting efforts in an area experiencing seasonal fire conditions, prompting an investigation by South African National Parks (SANParks).
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle strengthened to Category 4 off the coast of Western Australia on March 26, 2026, and was forecast to pass close to the North West Cape before tracking south along the Gascoyne coast on March 27. The Bureau of Meteorology warned the system could bring very destructive wind gusts up to 275 km/h (171 mph), dangerous storm surge, and heavy rainfall capable of producing flash flooding across parts of the Pilbara and Gascoyne.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle re-intensified, reaching Category 3 strength off the coast of Western Australia on March 25, 2026, and is forecast to strengthen further while tracking parallel to the Pilbara coast. The system reached Category 3 intensity with sustained winds of 130 km/h (81 mph), with forecasts indicating strengthening to Category 4 as it approaches the North West Cape late March 26.
