High-level eruption at Bezymianny volcano, Russia
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” intensifies into a super typhoon, makes a loop before striking Taiwan
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.
Impacts of Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) on southern hemisphere’s weather patterns
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.
Severe storms bring flooding to southeastern U.S., Texas mobilizes emergency response
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.
Hydrothermal explosion in Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin thermal area damages nearby boardwalk
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.
Alert Level for Kilauea volcano raised to Watch, Hawaii
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 ash emissions, new lava fountaining episode at Etna volcano, Italy
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.
Two landslides hit Ethiopia’s Gofa district, up to 500 feared dead
Two landslides hit the same area in southern Ethiopia on July 21 and 22, 2024, killing at least 55 people in the Gofa Zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR).
Sandhurst Fire 10% contained, evacuation orders lifted after intense efforts, Utah
A blaze that ignited on July 20, 2024, at Ensign Peak near Salt Lake City, Utah, prompted a mandatory evacuation order for residents north of Dorchester Drive and a voluntary evacuation for neighborhoods west of East Capitol Boulevard. By the evening of July 21, firefighters had achieved 10% containment and lifted the evacuation order. Despite ongoing containment efforts, the fire’s proximity to homes, infrastructure, and gas lines remains a concern.
Wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia force evacuations, Canada
Wildfires in northern Alberta prompted evacuations of three communities as the province contends with five significant blazes posing a severe threat to safety and infrastructure. Over 5 000 residents were affected, covering 62 000 ha (150 000 acres). Meanwhile, British Columbia is battling over 300 wildfires, exacerbated by a three-week heatwave. High temperatures and lightning have caused widespread evacuation orders, with firefighters struggling to contain the rapidly spreading flames across both provinces.
