A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit near the coast of Hokkaido, Japan, at 08:37 UTC (17:37 local time) on May 31, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). JMA is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles).
Low-level seismic tremor detected at Grímsfjall in recent days indicates possible internal water movement within the Grímsvötn subglacial lake system, southeast Iceland. The last eruption of this volcano took place in 2011 (VEI 4).
A tornado touched down in St. Johns County, Florida, on May 29, 2025, near SR9B and St. Johns Parkway, causing significant damage to trees, power lines, and structures. The National Weather Service (NWS) is conducting a survey to assess the tornado’s strength and path, with no injuries reported.
A stalled low-pressure system has drenched the eastern and southern U.S. throughout May, breaking rainfall records in multiple cities. Storms swept through states from Mississippi to Massachusetts, leaving several areas with more than double their typical monthly totals.
A powerful tornado hit Washington County, Kentucky, on May 30, 2025, killing at least one person and causing significant damage in the Long Run Road area east of Perryville.
At least 10 people were killed, and six others injured on May 30, 2025, following a rock collapse at a quarry in West Java, Indonesia. Search efforts to locate individuals buried beneath the rubble will continue on May 31.
A ridge of high pressure over the western United States is bringing unusually hot and dry conditions, with record temperatures expected from May 30 to 31, 2025. The hottest areas include southern Nevada, southeast California, and northwest Arizona. Cooler air and possible light rain from a Pacific cold front and Tropical Storm Alvin are forecast to arrive by early June.
A lightning-ignited wildfire, known as the Perchman Fire, started on May 27, 2025, in Ocala National Forest near State Road 19 and National Forest Road 74 in Putnam County, Florida. The fire has since burned 343 ha (849 acres) and is 50% contained.
A plume of Saharan dust stretching from the coast of Africa to the northwestern Caribbean and into the Gulf of Mexico is forecast to reach Florida by Saturday, May 31, 2025. Southern and central parts of the state are expected to experience hazy skies and reduced air quality over the weekend. A denser plume could arrive by mid-next week, with the dust reaching Texas by Tuesday, June 3.
Severe storms struck Austin on the evening of May 28, 2025, bringing powerful winds, heavy rain, and large hail. Flash flooding, fallen trees, and damaged power lines led to widespread disruption. One person was killed, and emergency crews responded to hundreds of calls as roads flooded and approximately 68 000 customers lost power.
