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!

  • Severe floods in Somalia affect 2 million, displace 746 000 and destroy 4 700 houses

    ByTW

    The ongoing Deyr rainy season continues to unleash devastating floods across Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa, wreaking havoc on an unprecedented scale. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) confirms that as of November 29, the crisis has affected 2 million people, displaced 746 000, and caused 96 deaths. The most severely impacted areas are in Somalia’s south-west, especially the Bay, Gedo, and Middle Juba regions.

  • Severe ‘black blizzard’ in Moscow: Snowfall hits 35% of monthly average overnight, Russia

    ByTW

    The Russian capital of Moscow is facing an extraordinary ‘black blizzard’, a weather pattern typically seen in the Far North. This phenomenon, which started overnight, has resulted in heavy snowfall and reduced visibility to approximately 100 m (328 feet), with the situation expected to persist until Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

  • NJIT astronomers reveal unique aurora-like radio emission above sunspot

    ByTW

    In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Astronomy, researchers from the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research (NJIT-CSTR) have documented an extraordinary aurora-like radio emission occurring approximately 40 000 km (25 000 miles) above a sunspot. This novel radio emission, which shows characteristics akin to the auroral emissions observed around planets like Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn, presents an unprecedented understanding of solar radio bursts and their potential link to similar phenomena in stars with large starspots.

  • Europe braces for intense Arctic outbreak and heavy snowfall across multiple regions

    ByTW

    Europe is bracing for a major weather shift this weekend, as an intense Arctic cold outbreak targets eastern, central, and southeastern regions. The season’s most severe winter storm is set to hit the Balkan peninsula, potentially dumping up to 50 cm (20 inches) of snow across areas from Romania to Ukraine. This significant event is forecasted to extend into the end of November, contrasting sharply with the mild weather experienced in recent weeks.

  • Intense winter storm brings heavy snow and freezing temperatures to the Plains and Rockies, U.S.

    ByTW

    A significant winter storm is affecting the Rockies and Plains, bringing heavy snowfall and temperatures well below normal this holiday weekend. Forecasts predict snow accumulations of 10 – 15 cm (4 – 6 inches) in western Nebraska and central Kansas, and up to 30 – 45 cm (12 – 18 inches) in southwest Colorado. The system, which is also expected to impact the eastern states early next week, poses a severe travel risk due to gusty winds and heavy snow.

  • Extensive flooding hits Democratic Republic of Congo, nearly 1 500 homes destroyed or damaged

    ByTW

    The Democratic Republic of the Congo is grappling with a humanitarian crisis following extensive flooding caused by ongoing torrential rains since November 13, 2023. The most severe impacts have been recorded in the eastern and north-eastern regions, including Baraka City and Dungu Town, where thousands have been displaced, and homes have been destroyed.

  • Alaska declares disaster in Wrangell following deadly landslide, U.S.

    ByTW

    At approximately 21:00 local time on Monday, November 20, 2023, a destructive landslide, produced by intense rainfall, occurred roughly 18 km (11 miles) outside Wrangell, Alaska, on the Zimovia Highway. This event resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, including a child, with three more reported missing. Active rescue efforts continue in the face of the landslide, which extended over approximately 152 meters (500 feet), destroying three homes and prompting urgent evacuations in the area.

  • Severe storms hit Turkey, leaving 9 dead and 11 missing from sunken cargo ship

    ByTW

    In the wake of destructive storms that hit northwestern Turkey on November 19, 2023, search efforts are underway for 11 missing crew members of the Kafkametler, a cargo ship that sunk off the Black Sea coast. The Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, confirmed the recovery of one body from the ship, which was among several maritime and land emergencies caused by the severe weather. These incidents have led to at least nine fatalities, including deaths from flooding and structural damage in various parts of the country.