NOAA warns of worsening climate impacts with record heat, rising sea levels, and El Niño risks—America’s weather and ocean watchdog.
A U.S. federal judge rejected a legal challenge to ConocoPhillips' exploration plans in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve. The decision follows a rig collapse incident, with ongoing debates over environmental impacts and regulatory transparency amid increased oil exploration efforts.
A 72-foot fishing vessel, Lily Jean, sank off Cape Ann, Massachusetts, during freezing conditions. One crew member was found dead, and six others remain missing after a search covering 1,000 square miles. The incident is under investigation, with harsh weather and ice buildup suspected factors.
Recent tests show Santa Monica Pier and nearby beaches have received failing grades for water quality due to high bacteria levels, chemical contamination, and pollution from bird droppings. Despite warnings, many tourists continue to swim and fish in the contaminated waters, risking health issues.
On February 2, 2026, Staten Island Chuck and Punxsutawney Phil both saw their shadows, indicating six more weeks of winter. The tradition, rooted in European folklore and American culture, involves groundhogs predicting weather based on their emergence and shadow sighting. Phil's accuracy has been questioned, but the event remains popular.
On March 3, 2026, a total lunar eclipse, known as a blood moon, was visible across the Americas, eastern Asia, and Australia, turning the moon a copper-red as it passed through Earth's shadow. The eclipse lasted about 5.5 hours with totality near one hour. The UK missed the eclipse due to moonset timing. Additionally, a rare six-planet alignment occurred around February 28 and March 1, visible to the naked eye in many regions.
Recent studies reveal that most coastal hazard assessments have underestimated sea levels by about 30cm, especially in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific. This miscalculation suggests more land and populations are at risk from rising seas than previously thought, with impacts likely to occur sooner.
Recent weather patterns show a sharp contrast across the US, with record-breaking heat in the Southwest and Arctic cold in the Midwest and East. The West experienced early heatwaves, while polar vortex systems brought snow and freezing temperatures to northern and eastern states, indicating increasing climate variability.
Multiple sources report a rare geomagnetic storm causing the Aurora Borealis to be visible as far south as Norfolk, UK, on March 21, 2026. Forecasters expect the lights to be visible again tonight, driven by recent solar activity and coronal mass ejections, with optimal viewing conditions in dark, clear skies.
Recent weather events have brought heavy rainfall, flooding, and storms across the Arabian Peninsula, driven by an unusually strong jet stream and low-pressure systems. The storms caused flooding, hail, and high winds, with rainfall totals far exceeding typical annual levels, reflecting broader climate change trends.
Recent studies show gray whales in the Pacific are experiencing high mortality rates, largely due to vessel collisions and Arctic food shortages. A whale found dead in Washington highlights ongoing threats, while efforts to reduce vessel strikes are underway. The population remains critically low, with fewer than 13,000 whales counted since 1970.
Temperatures have reached near-record highs across the US, with many areas experiencing 90°F+ in April. The heat is lasting longer than typical for this time of year, following severe storms in the Midwest. Experts warn this pattern is linked to climate change and will likely continue into the weekend.
Experts are monitoring a high likelihood of a strong El Niño developing this summer, which could lead to record global temperatures in 2027. The phenomenon may cause extreme weather events worldwide, including droughts and heavy rainfall, with a 62% chance of a super El Niño persisting into the end of the year.