The Watchers team and our contributors bring the latest on extreme weather, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, space weather, and all things science. We're all about making sense of the natural world and keeping you informed on what’s happening. Got a tip or a question? Hit us up using the form at newstips!
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New activity/unrest was reported for 6 volcanoes between December 28, 2016 and January 3, 2017. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 10 volcanoes. New activity/unrest:Bezymianny, Central Kamchatka (Russia) | Bogoslof, Fox Islands (USA) |…
In 2016, the United States had 19 separate severe flood events, the most in a single year since records began in 1980. The data comes from Munich RE, a global reinsurance company. In total, there were 91 weather, climate or geological disasters in the United States…
According to Munich RE, a global reinsurance company, after three years of relatively low natural catastrophe losses, the 'figures for 2016 are back in the mid-range, where they are expected to be.' In terms of casualties, 2016 had the fewest fatalities…
A shallow earthquake registered by the British Geological Survey as M3.8 hit the southern North Sea, off the coast of North Yorkshire, United Kingdom at 18:52 UTC on January 3, 2017. The agency is reporting a depth of 18 km (11.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M3.9 at a…
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) reports another explosion took place at Bogoslov volcano today. The volcanic ash cloud may have reached as high as 10 km (33 000 feet) above sea level. The eruption took place at 06:18 UTC on January 4, 2017, but there are no…
A very strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.9 (downgraded from M7.2) hit south of Fiji at 21:51 UTC on January 3, 2017. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). Geoscience Australia is reporting M7.1 at a depth of 30 km (18.6…
Using satellite data obtained by NASA/JAXA Global Precipitation Measurement mission or GPM, NASA has analyzed the rainfall from severe and deadly weather outbreak in the southeastern United States over the past couple of days. On Monday evening, January 2, 2017,…
A new study, led by researchers from the University of Leeds, suggests that flight-disrupting ash clouds are more common over northern Europe than previously thought and puts the average gap between them at about 44 years. The study also reveals that these types of…
At least two people have died and 4 were injured after a shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.5 hit India at 09:09 UTC (14:39 local time) on January 3, 2017. The agency is reporting a depth of 36.1 km (22.4 miles). IMD is reporting M5.7 at a depth of 27…
A massive wildfire engulfed the Chilean port city of Valparaiso on January 2, 2017. At least 100 homes have been destroyed, more than 400 people were evacuated and 19 injured. City authorities have issued a maximum red alert. The blaze broke out in the Laguna Verde…
