Second-largest ocean, shaping climate and life
Extensive wildfires are burning across France, Spain and Italy as heatwaves drive arid conditions. Evacuations continue, hundreds of firefighters operate across multiple fronts, and authorities warn that heat and dry vegetation will keep fire risk high in coming days.
Climate models have shown an unusually strong El Niño forming in the tropical Pacific that has a realistic chance of peaking this year or into 2027 and of becoming the strongest on record; scientists warn it will drive global temperature extremes and raise the risk of hotter, drier conditions in parts of Australia while reducing Atlantic hurricane activity.
Lesotho’s Afriski Mountain Resort, perched at 3,200 metres in the Maluti Mountains, is Africa’s only full-scale ski area. It relies on artificial snow to stay open through winter, drawing mainly South African visitors and contributing about 7% to Lesotho’s GDP as ski tourism expands in southern Africa.
US researchers say releasing Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes shows promise for reducing disease-carrying mosquito populations. Alphabet-backed programs aim to release millions of sterile males over two years, prompting questions about safety, scalability and long-term outcomes.
The Pan Am Clipper Endeavor has been located deep in the Atlantic—two stories in one: the wreckage confirms what historians knew and shows how safety measures implemented over decades have saved lives in air travel.
Canada braces for a renewed fight as Washington imposes 50% tariffs on a wide range of imports. Prime Minister Carney leads a united Team Canada in negotiations with Trump’s administration, while provinces warn of disrupted industries and rising uncertainty. Talks aim to avert full escalation before the August 19 deadline.
A ferry carrying up to 179 people has capsized off Guyana’s Essequibo coast. At least 76 are rescued and authorities fear about 100 may have died, making it the region’s worst maritime tragedy. Divers are salvageing the vessel as a criminal investigation unfolds and survivors describe a chaotic sinking.
Air quality alerts from Canadian wildfire smoke have eased in much of the northeast ahead of the final between Spain and Argentina, with forecasts expecting further improvement and temperatures around 27C.
Heat warnings cover much of England, with amber alerts in the East Midlands, London, the South East and East England. Yellow alerts remain for Yorkshire, the West Midlands and the South West. Officials warn of health risks, drought and heightened wildfire danger as temperatures rise this week.
Arran Strong has gone missing off the coast of southern Portugal as searches by authorities have been suspended. His coach described a harrowing attempt to locate him after a brief stop for water and photos; tributes from GB Surfing and others pour in amid the loss.
Widespread wildfires in southwestern France and across Europe have intensified, prompting massive evacuations and triggering a coordinated EU response as heatwaves persist and drought tightens conditions.
European authorities are coordinating responses as tens of thousands of migrants surge at Ceuta’s border with Morocco. At least 72 deaths have been reported, with hundreds treated in Ceuta and thousands returning to Morocco as Spain and Italy coordinate measures amid diplomatic tensions.
Meteorological agencies and the UN have reported a very strong El Niño that has continued to intensify in August 2026. Forecasts show record-warm Pacific sea-surface temperatures, rising global heat and an elevated risk of droughts, floods and food insecurity that will push tens of millions more people into acute hunger this year and next.
A total solar eclipse has swept from the Arctic through Greenland and Iceland to parts of Spain and a sliver of Portugal, while much of western Europe has seen a deep partial eclipse. Crowds and tourists have flocked to the path of totality, scientific teams have livestreamed observations, and Spain has reported heavy visitor numbers and local economic benefits.
Massachusetts fishermen released a juvenile tiger shark after catching it at a Falmouth beach. The five-foot shark, common in warmer southern waters, appears off New England amid rising ocean temperatures, indicating shifts in marine ecosystems.
The UK is experiencing its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures rising to the mid-30s across England and Wales. Health alerts are in place for vulnerable groups, and authorities warn of impacts on infrastructure and water supplies as a heatwave extends into the week.
The solar eclipse has triggered a surge in travel demand across Europe as destinations within the path of totality experience record room rates and bookings. Reykjavik, A Coruño, Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela report sharp price increases, while authorities warn of heat and fire risks and a spike in road traffic. NASA and local observatories will live-stream the event to millions.
Tropical Storm Lala is strengthening and could grow into a hurricane as it approaches Hawaii, with advisories warning of dangerous flooding and potential impacts on the Big Island. Forecasters say heavy rainfall and high winds may arrive this weekend.
A waterspout-turned-tornado has struck Atlantic Beach, Nassau County, Long Island, tearing through Sun and Surf Beach Club and nearby structures. Officials report no serious injuries, while a state of emergency is declared and first responders assess damage and rescue trapped individuals. Other areas report related flooding and weather impacts.
Faith Tenkley, 23, has safely landed a small plane in the Atlantic off Boca Raton after engine failure and broken landing gear. She navigated to open water, avoiding people and structures; no injuries reported. She was en route to the Bahamas to pick up her parents.
The latest data show global sea temperatures have reached record highs in August 2026 as El Ni 0o intensifies, driven by natural variability and long-term warming. Forecasts indicate the warmth will continue into 2027, with wide-ranging impacts on weather, seas and economies. Governments warn of increased risks to vulnerable communities and fisheries.
Cornwall’s Fal estuary hosts biodiverse seagrass meadows and maerl. New council initiative Fal Rivers to Reef aims to cut agricultural runoff, restore habitats, and safeguard native oysters through farm improvements, data-led planning and collaboration with landowners.
Charles’s autumn itinerary has been outlined, starting with a state visit to the Bahamas on Oct. 27, followed by Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda for a Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, concluding Nov. 4. The trip highlights the Commonwealth’s ties and the King’s role as head of state in 14 countries outside the UK.
The UN Environment Programme has published a report saying the world will likely exceed the Paris 1.5°C limit within years. UNEP has recommended an "overshoot, peak and decline" pathway that combines immediate, deep cuts to greenhouse gases, rapid methane reductions and carefully governed carbon dioxide removal to bring temperatures back below 1.5°C this century.
OPEC+ has kept October output targets unchanged while it reviews capacity and sets 2027 baselines, amid Iran disruption and discussions on unwinding current cuts. The group plans to pause further increases in Q4 as it evaluates members' capacity and future quotas.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has met French President Emmanuel Macron on Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and has announced plans to deepen economic and security ties with France and the European Union, including backing for a proposal that Canada become the EU's first "associate member." The leaders have discussed energy, critical minerals, defence and technology as Ottawa shifts away from U.S. dependence.
Trump's online memes portray him as all-powerful, yet voters cite economic concerns as the driving factor behind midterm choices. The White House defends meme strategy as energizing base, while critics warn of detached messaging.
El Niño has strengthened to historic levels, suppressing Atlantic hurricane formation. Forecasters say the pattern, alongside Saharan dust, will keep the Atlantic unusually quiet for the remainder of the season, while the Pacific remains highly active with several hurricanes.
A slow-moving nor'easter has struck the Mid‑Atlantic and New England since late September, causing heavy rain, strong onshore winds and coastal flooding from New Jersey to southern New England. Utilities, flights and events have been disrupted, at least one person has died in New York City, and forecasters warn additional high‑tide flooding will persist into Monday and Tuesday.
A global report shows 2025 was among the driest years for river flows in 35 years, with groundwater and glaciers dwindling. Major river systems are under stress from drought, pollution and overexploitation, prompting calls for action and data-sharing to protect communities and economies.
International Organization for Migration reports nearly 60,000 arrivals to Europe this year, down ~40% from 2025. Yet around 2,300 lives have been lost or gone missing at sea, highlighting ongoing risk as routes shift and governments tighten policies. Spain, Italy, Greece see declines in arrivals amid calls for safer pathways and clearer cooperation.
Tropical Cyclones Polo and Nolo are intensifying and threatening Mexico’s Pacific coast and Hawaii, with warnings of life-threatening flooding, mudslides, and widespread damage. Governments are mobilising evacuations, shelters, and power restoration efforts as forecasts shift.
Projections show 451,000 additional heat-related deaths globally between June and February 2027, with Nigeria, Sudan, Niger and Chad bearing the heaviest impact. The Climate Impact Lab says emergency actions now can save tens of thousands of lives as El Niño intensifies.
Isaias has formed into a tropical storm heading for the U.S. Gulf Coast. Forecasters expect strengthening into a hurricane and imminent evacuations and closures as preparations continue along Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. Officials warn residents to enact hurricane plans and secure property ahead of potential landfall this weekend.
A 42-year-old man has died after being ejected from a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday afternoon. Police have said the man struck other riders before falling under the ride; detectives from the Cobb County major crimes unit have opened an investigation. Six Flags has closed nine similar rides across its parks while authorities review the incident.