Rare snowfall hits southern China as north endures deep freeze
China is experiencing a severe cold wave, with rare snowfall reported in Guangdong province in the south, while northern regions face near-historic low temperatures.
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!
Deadly floods and landslides strike West Sumatra, lahar warnings issued, Indonesia
Two people have died in West Sumatra, Indonesia, due to a landslide in Agam regency, with floods and landslides affecting other areas, including Lima Puluh Kota.
Small explosion at Kanaga volcano, Aviation Color Code raised to Yellow, Alaska
A small explosion was detected at Kanaga Volcano, Alaska at 07:31 UTC on December 19, 2023.
Severe weather in Eastern U.S. leads to 5 deaths and 1.7 million without power
At least 5 people have died and more than 700 000 customers (approximately 1.7 million people) were left without power as a powerful coastal storm swept up the East Coast of United States over the past couple of days.
Shallow M6.2 earthquake strikes northwest China, leaving over 140 fatalities, 14 000 homes damaged
At least 118 people were killed and hundreds injured after a shallow M6.2 earthquake hit northwest China on Monday, prompting urgent rescue efforts in harsh winter conditions.
Parts of Tamil Nadu record 950 mm (37 inches) of rain in 24 hours, India
Parts of Tamil Nadu registered an astonishing 950 mm (37 inches) of rainfall in just 24 hours to December 18, 2023.
Pakistan creates first-ever artificial rain to combat smog in Lahore
Pakistan marked a historic moment on Saturday, December 16, 2023, with its first artificial rain experiment in Lahore, aimed at reducing the city’s hazardous smog levels. The result was slight showers in several areas of the city.
Heavy snowstorm warning in northern Japan amid intense cold wave
A severe snowstorm warning has been issued for northern Japan, with heavy snowfall, strong winds, and rough seas forecast through at least December 19, 2023, leading to hazardous travel conditions.
Intense spattering and lava overflow at Stromboli’s Sciara del Fuoco, Italy
A small lava flow began to spill from Stromboli’s crater terrace onto the upper Sciara del Fuoco around 20:30 UTC on December 17, 2023, with intense spattering from the central northern crater area.
Emergency measures in Beijing as severe cold wave brings snow and ice, China
China is experiencing a severe cold wave, with heavy snowfall and plummeting temperatures affecting transport and daily life across northern regions, including Beijing. President Xi Jinping has called for comprehensive emergency responses as temperatures drop significantly below freezing.
