Tropical Storm “Akará” forms off Rio de Janeiro as first TS in South Atlantic since 2019

Tropical Storm “Akará” forms off Rio de Janeiro as first TS in South Atlantic since 2019

On February 16, 2024, the Brazilian Navy identified a subtropical depression ESE of Rio de Janeiro, which intensified into Tropical Storm “Akará” by February 19. Akará is the first named tropical storm to develop in the South Atlantic Ocean since Iba in 2019 and the basin’s first named storm in February since Bapo in 2015. The system is expected to continue intensifying, but remain well away from Brazil.

Impacts of energetic particle precipitation (aurora borealis) on winter weather variations

Impacts of energetic particle precipitation (aurora borealis) on winter weather variations

A recent study by the University of Oulu, Finland, has revealed a significant connection between the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, and variations in winter temperatures and electricity consumption in Finland, highlighting the role of energetic particle precipitation in affecting regional climate and energy demands.

Tropical Cyclone “Lincoln” hits Gulf of Carpentaria, heavy rainfall and damaging winds continue, Australia

Tropical Cyclone “Lincoln” hits Gulf of Carpentaria, heavy rainfall and damaging winds continue, Australia

Tropical Cyclone “Lincoln” made landfall on the Gulf of Carpentaria coast between Port McAarthur and the Northern Territory – Queensland border at 06:00 UTC on February 16, 2024, as a Category 1 storm. Shortly after, it weakened and moved west across the Northern Territory, with heavy rainfall forecasted and a moderate risk of redeveloping into a tropical cyclone.

New insights into the predictability of Earth’s magnetic field reversals

New insights into the predictability of Earth’s magnetic field reversals

In a groundbreaking study published on February 3, 2024, a team of scientists led by Daniil Tolmachev introduced a novel approach to predicting Earth’s magnetic field reversals. Titled “Predictability of Magnetic Field Reversals,” the research utilizes mathematical modeling to identify early warning signals of these geomagnetic phenomena, potentially offering a new paradigm in understanding and preparing for their consequences on technology and life on Earth.

Fragments of asteroid 2024 BX1 identified as extremely rare Aubrite meteorites

Fragments of asteroid 2024 BX1 identified as extremely rare Aubrite meteorites

Initial investigations of meteorites from the strewn field of asteroid 2024 BX1, which entered the Earth’s atmosphere on January 21, 2024, near Ribbeck, northwest of Berlin, have identified them as rare aubrite achondrites. The findings were submitted to the Meteoritical Society’s Nomenclature Committee on February 2, 2024, for official examination.

Powerful atmospheric river triggers state of emergency in Southern California, rare Level 4 of 4 risk of excessive rainfall

Powerful atmospheric river triggers state of emergency in Southern California, rare Level 4 of 4 risk of excessive rainfall

An intense atmospheric river event hit California on Sunday, February 4, 2024, prompting Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in eight counties due to the potential for “life-threatening” flooding, mudslides, and widespread power outages. The National Weather Service warns of significant rainfall, powerful winds, and heavy snowfall continuing over the next few days.