Large noctilucent clouds outbreak over Europe
The display of unusual noctilucent clouds (NLCs) continues to light up the European skies on July 13, 2024, with another large outbreak seen all over the continent, leading to some stunning visuals.
Unexpected noctilucent clouds outbreak over Europe continues
The unexpected display of noctilucent clouds all over Europe since June 23, 2024, has given rise to a couple of speculations as to why are these clouds forming during a solar maximum when high solar activity inhibits their formation.
Massive Saharan dust plume making its way over the Atlantic
The largest outbreak of Saharan dust this summer is currently making its way across the Atlantic Ocean, potentially impacting air quality and weather patterns throughout the Caribbean and parts of the United States. This marks a significant shift in the season’s weather patterns, influenced by the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), which is known for its ability to suppress tropical cyclone formation.
Unexpected outbreak of noctilucent clouds (NLCs) illuminates Europe’s night sky
On June 23, 2024, Europe experienced an unexpected outbreak of noctilucent clouds (NLCs) despite high solar activity, which typically inhibits NLC formation. Earth-orbiting satellites also detected the display, noting NLCs down to a latitude of 55° N over the British Isles.
Exceptionally intense Saharan dust episode over Europe degrading air quality, suggesting changes in atmospheric circulation patterns
The third large wave of Saharan dust in just two weeks is moving over Europe, significantly increasing PM10 concentrations at ground level for the Iberian Peninsula, and some parts of France and Germany.
Volcanic sulfur dioxide emissions from Iceland reach continental Europe
The volcanic eruption that started in Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland on March 16, 2024, continues at a fairly constant rate, marking the most substantial activity in the region with four registered eruptions since December 2023. This event has caught the attention of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) due to the large volumes of sulfur dioxide (SO2) released into the atmosphere.
Potential for disrupted polar vortex in January 2024
Current forecasts indicate a strong Stratospheric Warming event in January 2024, potentially leading to a weakened Polar Vortex and a significant weather pattern shift across the United States and Europe.
Arctic’s 40-year record low temperatures spawn rare clouds
NASA’s MERRA-2 climate model reveals that the Arctic stratosphere has reached a 40-year record low for December, creating a sudden appearance of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) far beyond their usual Arctic confines.
Early arrival of rare, iridescent polar stratospheric clouds over Europe
An early outbreak of polar stratospheric clouds, known for their intense iridescence, was reported over parts of northern Europe on December 17, 2023.
Global SAR arc outbreak: Geomagnetic storm leads to rare SAR arc sightings across the globe
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.
