The rapidly rising Blue Earth River caused a partial collapse of the 114-year-old Rapidan Dam in Minnesota on June 24, 2024. By June 25, the river had grown so much that it swallowed most of the iconic home on a nearby embankment.
New activity/unrest was reported for 7 volcanoes from June 19 to 25, 2024. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 15 volcanoes.
On June 25, 2024, two avalanches cut off two small towns and a ski center in Maipo Province, Chile, leaving dozens isolated.
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.
The alert level for the Stromboli volcano in Italy was raised from Yellow to Orange on June 24, 2024, due to increased volcanic activity observed since June 23. This activity included a lava overflow, frequent explosions, and heightened volcanic tremor.
In less than six months Sydney, Australia has received more than a year’s worth of its average rainfall, making this the start of its sixth wettest winter since 1859. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts more rain over the next 7 days.
On Monday morning, June 24, 2024, flooding on the Blue Earth River breached the Rapidan Dam, prompting officials to declare an “imminent failure condition.” This followed debris accumulation identified on June 23, 2024, which led to emergency measures in North Mankato, including road closures and levee construction, with potential downstream impacts predicted to raise river levels by 15 to 60 cm (6 inches to 2 feet) toward Mankato.
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.
Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall caused devastating floods and landslides in southeastern Switzerland on June 22, 2024, heavily impacting the canton of Grisons, particularly the Mesolcina Valley. The event left 1 person dead, 2 missing, and extensive damage to infrastructure.
South Dakota’s governor Kristi Noem confirmed one death on June 23, 2024, as record rainfall caused devastating floods across the Upper Midwest from June 22 to 24. Torrential rains across the region led to record-breaking river levels, extensive property damage, and evacuations. Iowa and Minnesota have declared emergencies, with Iowa’s floods surpassing 1993 levels. Numerous rivers, including the Big Sioux, are at historic highs, forcing evacuations and emergency rescues. Authorities warn that more rain could exacerbate the already severe flooding.
