Extreme heat sweeps across Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East
Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East are experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures soaring above 48 °C (118.4 °F) in regions such as Iraq, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
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!
World’s largest earthquake early warning system announced in China
China’s Earthquake Early Warning System (EEWS), the largest of its kind globally, has been completed, according to an announcement by Min Yiren, the head of the China Earthquake Administration (CEA), on June 8, 2023. The system is anticipated to be fully functional by the end of the year, covering more than 15 000 monitoring stations, three national centers, 31 provincial centers, and 173 prefectural and municipal information release centers.
Understanding the Campi Flegrei supervolcano: Rupture risks and eruption uncertainties
A new in-depth study reveals the potential eruption risk at Italy’s Campi Flegrei, also known as the ‘supervolcano’, has increased. The research, published on June 9, 2023, shows that the volcano has been showing signs of increased activity, raising both concerns and interest among scientists.
Series of eruptions at Anak Krakatau, Indonesia
Anak Krakatau, the infamous volcano situated between the islands of Java and Sumatra, has experienced a series of significant eruptions since June 6, 2023. The Indonesian volcano, known as the “Child of Krakatau,” is located in the crater formed by the devastating eruption of Mount Krakatau in 1883, one of the deadliest and most destructive in recorded history.
Large rock avalanche at Flüchthorn Peak in the Austrian Alps
A significant rock avalanche took place on June 11, 2023, descending from the slopes of Flüchthorn in the Austrian Alps. Flüchthorn, also known as Piz Fenga due to its location on the Austria-Switzerland border, stands 3 399 m (11 150 feet) high in the Silvretta Alps.
Tropical Cyclone “Biparjoy” heading toward Pakistan – India border region
Tropical Cyclone “Biparjoy” formed in the Arabian Sea on June 6, 2023, as the second named storm of the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. The system is moving northward, threatening the coasts of Pakistan and neighboring Saurashtra and Kutch, India.
Ecological alert: Menhaden fish wash ashore by thousands at Quintana Beach, Texas
On June 10, 2023, Quintana Beach County Park officials reported an unprecedented occurrence of mass Menhaden fish deaths. Thousands of fish were found washed up on the shores due to an apparent reduction in dissolved oxygen levels in the water.
Wildfires in Western Canada engulf 400 000 ha (1 million acres), impacting air quality across North America
Large wildfires have been raging across Western Canada over the past 2 weeks, burning close to 404 686 hectares (nearly 1 million acres). The fires have forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents and have caused significant structural damage.
Severe floods and landslides hit Turkey’s Black Sea region
Two people lost their lives as heavy rains swept across northern Turkey, particularly the Black Sea region, from June 4, 2023, triggering floods and landslides, and causing rivers to overflow.
Heavy rains and fatal floods strike northern Algeria
Northern Algeria has been grappling with heavy rainfall since early June, leading to devastating floods, particularly in the Saïda and Laghouat provinces. The severe weather conditions have resulted in casualties and significant damage.
