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.
A hydrothermal explosion occurred in Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park at approximately 16:00 UTC on July 23, 2024.
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.
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.
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.
A massive Saharan dust plume reached South Florida on July 20, 2024, causing reduced air quality and hazy skies. Rain is also forecasted for the weekend, and the mix of dust and precipitation is expected to bring dirty rains to Florida.
A bright fireball was reported streaking through the night sky over the Northeastern United States at 01:36 UTC on July 20, 2024 (21:36 EDT, July 19).
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit Fox Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska at 03:13 UTC on July 19, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 41.5 km (26 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Severe storms and at least four tornadoes hit New York state on July 17, 2024, causing significant destruction, killing at least one person, and leaving over 110 000 homes without power.
Strong thunderstorms that wreaked havoc across the Chicago area on July 14 and 15, 2024, spawned at least 25 tornadoes, left one person dead, and over 430 000 customers without power.
