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!

  • Study links volcanic eruptions in 540s, 1450s, 1600s to global cooling events

    ByTW

    A new study led by the University of St Andrews, in collaboration with international researchers, reveals that historical volcanic eruptions, particularly in high latitude regions, have caused significant yet transient global cooling effects. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the research utilized sulfur isotopes from ice cores to trace the climatic impact of volcanic eruptions in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly during notably cold decades like the 540s, 1450s, and 1600s.

  • NWS warns of rapidly changing weather conditions across the U.S., impacting Thanksgiving travel

    ByTW

    A vigorous cold front is currently sweeping across the western United States, bringing a mix of high-elevation snow, coastal and valley rains, and strong winds, as reported by the National Weather Service. This weather pattern is expected to rapidly progress eastward, potentially impacting Thanksgiving travel with a series of severe thunderstorms, heavy rains, and snowfall anticipated to hit the central and eastern regions of the country early next week.

  • Rivers overflow in Tanzania, causing severe floods and destruction

    ByTW

    Heavy rainfall since late October 2023 has severely affected northern Tanzania, especially the Arusha Region. The resulting floods and river overflows have led to at least 10 fatalities, displacement of approximately 90 families, and significant damage to houses and bridges. The worst-hit areas in the Arusha District include Muriet, Terrat, Elerai, Morombo, Lolovono, and Ngarenaro. Further heavy rainfall is forecasted for most of the country.

  • ‘Once-in-a-century’ flood disaster strikes Somalia: Over 450 000 displaced, 1.2 million affected and 32 fatalities reported

    ByTW

    In a dramatic shift from drought to deluge, Somalia is experiencing unprecedented flooding described as a ‘once-in-a-century’ event by the UN. This natural disaster, exacerbated by El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole, has put approximately 1.6 million people at risk, with over 1.24 million already affected. The nation faces a severe humanitarian challenge as it contends with the aftermath of these extreme weather conditions.

  • California set for significant precipitation as atmospheric river develops

    ByTW

    An evolving storm system off the California coast, forecasted to develop into at least one atmospheric river, is set to deliver substantial rainfall and snowfall across the West Coast starting this weekend. With the Northeast Pacific Ocean as the stage, the interaction of several low-pressure systems is predicted to have significant impact, particularly from November 14 to 17, as per the Atmospheric River Reconnaissance field campaign.

  • IMO confirms continued inflation, seismic unrest at Mt. Þorbjörn, Iceland

    ByTW

    The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) has issued an update on the seismic and volcanic activity at Mt. Þorbjörn on the Reykjanes Peninsula, providing new data on the ongoing seismic unrest that began in late October. The uplift at the GNSS station has seen additional enlargements since the 7 cm rise previously reported over a 10-day period, reflecting continued subterranean pressure changes. The IMO, alongside the Civil Protection Agency, remains on high alert for signs of magma ascent, which could indicate a new phase in the volcanic activity of the area.

  • Global SAR arc outbreak: Geomagnetic storm leads to rare SAR arc sightings across the globe

    ByTW

    On November 5, 2023, observers across the globe were treated to a striking light show, courtesy of a G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm. This solar event was powerful enough to push the typically high-latitude auroras into lower latitudes, with sightings as far south as Texas and Arizona in the United States, as well as in European countries like Italy and Greece. Sightings were also reported in Australia and New Zealand.

  • Rapid crustal uplift at Mt. Þorbjörn, Iceland

    ByTW

    The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) has reported a considerable upsurge in seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula, with over 18 500 earthquakes recorded since the swarm began on October 25, just north of Grindavík.