Aerial view of destruction from wildfire in Fritch, Texas
This aerial view shows burned houses and structures across Fritch, Texas caused by the Windy Duece Fire on February 28, 2024. More than 100 homes were destroyed from Fritch to Borger, Texas.
Tens of thousands in Victoria urged to evacuate due to catastrophic fire danger, Australia
Australian authorities called for the evacuation of tens of thousands in the southeast, including Victoria, on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, due to an intense heat wave exacerbating bushfire risks, marking the region’s severest conditions in four years.
Extreme anticyclonic anomaly linked to catastrophic rainfall in Henan and marine heatwave
A study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences has unveiled the unprecedented nature of an anticyclonic anomaly over Northeast Asia in July 2021, which played a key role in both the extreme precipitation in Henan Province, China and a severe marine heat wave in Japan Sea. This phenomenon resulted in significant ecological and economic impacts, including the deaths of 380 people in Zhengzhou and record-breaking losses to Japan’s coastal fisheries.
Major X6.3 solar flare erupts from Region 3590
A major X6.3 solar flare erupted from Active Region 3590 at 22:34 UTC on February 22, 2024. The event started at 22:08 UTC and ended at 22:43.
Thousands urged to evacuate as wildfire rages near Ballarat, Victoria
An emergency warning has been issued for 28 communities west of Ballarat, Victoria, as residents are urged to evacuate due to an out-of-control bushfire. The fire, which ignited along Bayindeen-Rocky Road, is being fought by 1 000 firefighters with support from 24 aircraft and 100 vehicles.
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
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” 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
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.
Three CMEs heading toward Earth, impact expected on February 13
At least three coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are heading toward Earth. The impact is expected early on February 13 (UTC), producing G2 – Moderate or stronger geomagnetic storming.