U.S. scientific agency on weather, oceans, and climate
Video shows a man kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove; NOAA Fisheries is investigating under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. San Diego officials condemn the act; bystanders are seen laughing. Public tips are being sought to identify the perpetrator.
Wildfires across Canada have intensified this summer, with thousands evacuated and millions of hectares burned. Fire seasons are surging due to warmer, drier conditions, while governments mobilize crews and resources to combat the blazes and protect communities.
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.
The Bald Range wildfire has exploded into a fast-moving blaze in British Columbia, forcing evacuation orders for Summerland and Peachland and displacing roughly 20,000 people. Officials have declared a provincial state of emergency, reported significant home losses and evacuated residents by air as crews continue search-and-rescue and firefighting operations.
A global heat wave trend persists into August 2026. July saw record or near-record sea surface and air temperatures across Europe and globally. Scientists warn that accelerating warming and a strong El Niño are increasing the odds that 2026 will be the hottest year on record.
Prolonged heat across the continental U.S. has continued into August, with nighttime temperatures remaining unusually high. NOAA reports record-setting July temperatures and a hotter-than-average pattern linked to climate change and a strengthening El Niño. Experts warn that heat will persist and intensify, contributing to drought, fires, and health risks.
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.
Hurricane Lala has strengthened to Category 1 and has battered Hawaii’s Big Island with heavy rain and strong winds, causing at least one death, widespread power outages and multiple homes damaged; tropical-storm warnings have affected Maui, Oahu and Kauai while forecasts predict the storm should clear the islands by Monday morning HST.
Forecasters have confirmed a very strong El Niño that has pushed Pacific sea-surface temperatures well beyond historical thresholds and is already altering global weather. The Met Office says the event is unprecedented in modern records; governments in Central and South America have declared alerts as droughts and extreme heat are damaging crops and water supplies now and into 2027.
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.
Two tropical storms in the Pacific are in motion: Julio weakens as Iselle strengthens to hurricane-force winds west of the Baja California peninsula. Lala remains in the Central Pacific with no land threat; Moke is no longer a cyclone after skirting Hawaii.
Independent reports that a doctored AI video claiming Kharg Island was blown up circulated on Truth Social amid mounting U.S.-Iran hostilities. Officials say no such strike occurred, while Trump criticizes Iran and defends the campaign.
Researchers have been tagging great white sharks off Long Island to study nursery habitats and migratory patterns. The effort shows tropical species moving north as waters warm, with drones and acoustic tags tracking movements across the coast.
Skywatchers have been treated to a string of September conjunctions and phases: Venus has paired with Spica, the Moon has aligned with the Pleiades, Mars and Jupiter, and a partial lunar eclipse has produced reddish tones across wide regions. Through October and November, the Pleiades, the Orionid and Leonid meteor showers, a planetary parade on 14 November and the Beaver supermoon on 24 November will provide more viewing opportunities.
El Niño has strengthened toward historic levels, with NOAA and other forecasters projecting a 75% chance of a record-breaking event in late 2026. The phenomenon is driving higher global temperatures, shifting rainfall, and fueling droughts and floods across regions. Governments warn households to prepare for potential disruptions and to stock essentials.
Scientists aboard the David Packard found Magnapinna sp, the deep-sea bigfin squid, hovering 3,277m below California. The sighting marks a rare confirmation, with prior observations numbering around 70. Researchers describe the creature’s wings, eight arms, and two tentacles.
Copernicus confirms August 2026 tied for hottest month on record, with Western Europe enjoying its warmest summer. Global oceans reach new highs as El Niño intensifies. Scientists warn that emissions continue to drive extreme conditions and urge rapid action.
Atlantic hurricane activity has remained unusually low this season, with no hurricanes forming yet. Forecasters say El Niño, Sahara dust, and high wind shear are suppressing development, while Pacific activity remains high. The season has seen record-breaking delays in hurricane formation, with experts cautioning that a single system could still cause damage.
El Niño is strengthening, with forecasts predicting historic intensity. Reports show drought in Central America’s Dry Corridor and a UK weather shift toward wetter, stormier conditions. Scientists warn impacts will extend into 2027 as temperatures rise globally and rainfall patterns shift.
Women farmers form a large share of Africa’s agricultural workforce, but face higher risks, less land, and limited access to finance and tools. El Niño-driven droughts highlight the need for inclusive, gender-aware climate resilience and investment in irrigation and resources.
Global temperatures have surged to new highs, with August marking the hottest month on record and heatwaves driving wildfires in Europe and the US. Scientists warn that a strong El Niño, coupled with ongoing emissions, will push temperatures higher in coming months.
The El Niño weather pattern has intensified, with multiple reports showing record sea-surface temperatures and forecasts of extreme heat. Scientists warn that global impacts will intensify through 2027, affecting temperatures, rainfall, and wildfire risk across regions from the Pacific to Africa and the Americas.
Belugas relocated from Marineland to US and Spain are dying at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium and other sites. Osiris, a 26-year-old female, died at Shedd after arriving with other rescued whales. Two other belugas, Peekachu and Rain, died at Shedd; Jelly Bean died in Valencia. The deaths highlight vulnerabilities after the controversial Marineland closure.
A hurricane is tracking toward southwestern Mexico as it fuels on record-strong El Niño waters. NOAA says Polo remains an extremely dangerous Category 5 storm, with potential for heavy rain, flooding and dangerous surf along the Pacific coast; no landfall is expected but residents face urgent warnings.
El Niño is strengthening, bringing risks of floods, heat and rising seas. California officials warn of a potentially historic winter as climate pressures strain infrastructure and communities prepare for extreme weather and food impacts.
Isaias has strengthened into a major hurricane and is approaching the US Gulf Coast. States of emergency have been declared in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. The storm is expected to bring life-threatening storm surge, strong winds and heavy rain, with power outages anticipated inland as it moves toward landfall late Friday and into the weekend.