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!

  • Bermuda experiences wettest May since 1949

    ByTW

    In May 2023, Bermuda experienced its wettest May in 74 years, as reported by the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS), with persistent low-pressure systems causing continuous downpours from May 22.

  • Massive wildfires destroy hundreds of homes in Nova Scotia, force thousands to evacuate, Canada

    ByTW

    Massive wildfires continue to rage across the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, leading to the destruction of hundreds of buildings and the evacuation of over 16 000 residents. As of Tuesday afternoon, May 30, 2023, the fires, which have primarily affected areas around the capital Halifax, have resulted in no reported injuries or missing persons. However, the extent of the damage is significant, with an estimated 200 homes or structures destroyed.

  • Sudden cloudburst hits Waihi Beach, causing severe flash floods, New Zealand

    ByTW

    A sudden cloudburst on Monday afternoon, May 29, 2023, led to flash flooding at Waihi Beach in the western Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, resulting in evacuations and significant damage. Approximately 60 mm (2.3 inches) of rain fell during the burst, causing floodwaters to reach waist height at their peak.

  • Avalanche in northern Pakistan claims 11 lives, critically injures 13

    ByTW

    An avalanche in northern Pakistan has claimed the lives of at least 11 people, including four women and a four-year-old boy, as they were crossing a mountainous area. The incident occurred near the Shounter Pass, which connects the Gilgit-Baltistan region with Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The disaster management agency reported that 13 others, including a child, were critically injured and taken to a local hospital.

  • Lightning strikes claim 18 lives in several districts of Bangladesh

    ByTW

    A series of lightning strikes and thunderstorms across several districts of Bangladesh on May 23 and 24, 2023, have resulted in severe weather-related incidents, particularly due to lightning. As of May 26, media reports indicate 18 fatalities and several injuries across different districts. More severe weather, including heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, is forecast over the whole country in the next 24 hours.

  • Severe flooding in southern Italy results in 1 fatality, extensive damage

    ByTW

    Severe flooding hit the southern Italian province of Avellino on May 25, 2023, specifically, the municipalities of Forino and Montoro, resulting in considerable damage. Firefighters and rescue teams were deployed to carry out numerous interventions, including rescuing families from flooded homes. One person died after a vehicle was swept away by the floods in Celzi, Forino.

  • Extreme rainfall in southern Spain: A century record broken, massive disruptions reported

    ByTW

    Southern Spain, including Andalusia, Murcia, and Valencia, experienced record-breaking rainfall on May 23, 2023, leading to severe flash flooding, widespread damage, and forcing many schools to close. The extreme weather event, which hasn’t been seen in a hundred years, particularly affected the areas of Murcia, Almería, and Alicante, with Ontinyent recording 127.4 mm (5 inches) of rain in just twelve hours.