In just several hours, the Park Fire in California exploded from a 162 ha (400 acres) fire to more than 58 750 ha (145 000 acres) massive inferno, consuming everything in its path. One person has been arrested on suspicion of starting the blaze.
New activity/unrest was reported for 8 volcanoes from July 17 to 23, 2024. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 15 volcanoes.
A hydrothermal explosion occurred in Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park at approximately 16:00 UTC on July 23, 2024.
A strong explosive eruption began at Bezymianny volcano, Kamchatka, Russia, at 15:10 UTC on July 24, 2024, ejecting ash up to 12 km (40 000 feet) above sea level.
Typhoon “Gaemi” — known as Carina in the Philippines — made landfall in Taiwan’s east coast near Hualien City on July 24, 2024, with maximum 1-minute sustained winds of 205 km/h (125 mph) and gusts to 250 km/h (155 mph). This storm is considered one of the strongest to impact Taiwan in recent years. Gaemi is the fourth named storm and the second typhoon of the 2024 West Pacific typhoon season.
The Southern Annular Mode (SAM) has started shifting into its negative phase this week, likely caused by a recent sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event over Antarctica, which is expected to bring colder and wetter conditions to southern Australia.
Heavy downpours and thunderstorms continued to affect the southeastern United States, particularly Texas, resulting in severe flooding and road blockages. Governor Greg Abbott activated emergency response teams to mitigate flash flooding risks as the Guadalupe River in Kerrville reached flood levels for the first time since 2018.
A small hydrothermal explosion occurred in Yellowstone National Park in the Biscuit Basin thermal area at around 16:19 UTC (10:19 MST) on July 23, 2024.
Increased earthquake activity and ground deformation at Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone began at approximately 13:30 UTC (03:30 HST) on July 23, 2024, indicating likely magma movement in the subsurface. This activity has prompted Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to close areas that could put visitors and staff at risk if the volcano erupts.
Strong Strombolian activity that started at Etna’s Voragine crater at 15:45 UTC on July 22, 2024, increased around 01:00 UTC on July 23 and evolved into a new lava fountaining episode at 02:59 UTC.
