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!
Over 11 750 individuals were impacted by intense flooding between June 3 and June 4, 2023, in the Esmeraldas Province of Ecuador due to the overflowing of six rivers following continuous rainfall. The cantons of Esmeraldas, Atacames, Quinindé, and Muisne bore the brunt of the floods, resulting in extensive damage to properties and necessitating broad-scale evacuations.
In an event unfolding from the evening of June 3 to the early hours of June 4, 2023, Taal Volcano showcased an increased degassing activity, leading to the formation of steam-rich plumes reaching up to 3 000 m (9842 feet) above the Taal Volcano Island. This activity has resulted in significant volcanic smog or vog over the Taal Caldera, affecting local municipalities.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the Alert Level for the Mayon volcano from Level 1 to Level 2 on June 5, 2023, indicating increased volcanic unrest that may potentially precede hazardous eruptions.
Haiti is grappling with the aftermath of heavy rains that have caused flooding and landslides across the country, resulting in at least 15 deaths, with eight people still missing and thousands of families affected. Over the weekend of June 3 – 4, 2023, the entire Hispaniola island nation was drenched in rain, causing several rivers to flood and forcing local authorities to enact emergency measures.
More than 2 million people were ordered to evacuate their homes as Tropical Storm “Mawar”, accompanied by a severe weather front, brought heavy rains and caused widespread damage in Japan on June 2, 2023, triggering floods and landslides.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has announced a record-breaking average spring temperature for 2023. According to the agency, this year’s spring temperature surpassed the highest record set in 1998.
An extreme rainfall event caused severe flooding in Ankara, Turkey on May 30, 2023, leading to substantial property damage and disruption of daily life. The floods were particularly severe in the Keçiören district of the capital, while the southern province of Antalya and the eastern provinces of Elazığ and Muş also reported significant damage.
Dozens of families in Valle De Oro, located near the Canadian River, are grappling with an escalating flood crisis, following the river’s overflow due to a rare, high-magnitude rainfall event last week.
Delhi recorded its coolest May in 36 years, with an average maximum temperature of 36.8°C (98.24°F) and a record-breaking rainfall of 111 mm (4.37 inches), according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
May 2023 saw an unseasonably cold spell across Australia with over 100 weather stations registering record-breaking minimum temperatures for the month, contradicting the Bureau of Meteorology’s predictions for a warmer and drier May.
