Stratospheric temperature rise signals weakened polar vortex and Arctic air outbreaks in the northern hemisphere

Stratospheric temperature rise signals weakened polar vortex and Arctic air outbreaks in the northern hemisphere

The polar vortex, a large area of low pressure in the upper atmosphere that typically sits over the poles, is set to weaken as a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event unfolds in the northern hemisphere. This event has the potential to have a significant impact on winter weather, as it allows cold Arctic air to escape and cause outbreaks in Europe, Asia, Canada, and the United States.

Large plume of Saharan dust reaches the Caribbean and South America

Large plume of Saharan dust reaches the Caribbean and South America

The second large plume of Saharan dust reached the Caribbean and South America on June 7, 2022, after a journey of more than 5 500 km (3 400 miles), as forecasted by Copernicus CAMS and confirmed by Sentinel-5p Aerosol index.

WMO verifies 2 new world records for extreme megaflashes of lightning

WMO verifies 2 new world records for extreme megaflashes of lightning

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has verified 2 new world records for extreme megaflashes of lightning. The first is for the longest distance single flash of 768 ± 8 km (477.2 ± 5 miles) across the southern U.S. on April 29, 2020. This is 60…

Gemini Observatory records volcanic gravity waves over Hawai’i, U.S.

Gemini Observatory records volcanic gravity waves over Hawai’i, U.S.

Hours after the massive eruption at Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai1 volcano on January 15, 2022, cameras at the Gemini Observatory on Mauna Kea, Hawai'i, U.S. recorded red waves rippling over Hawai'i. "These are gravity waves, a type of atmospheric…